Old School Square

Old School Square Cultural Arts Center and National Historic Site is a nationally recognized historic preservation project and a testament to the role of the arts in downtown revitalization. The restored early 20th century school buildings now house the Cornell Museum of Art and American Culture, the Crest Theatre, a Vintage Gymnasium and restored classrooms, where world-class exhibits, performances and education programs continue to enrich the greater Delray Beach community and South Florida.  BSA was entrusted with the construction management and restoration of the landmark historical structures which make up the Old School Square complex. Specializing in restoration projects BSA worked with Currie Sowards Aguila Architects to devise cost effective methodologies to restore the buildings while structurally reinforcing them and installing modern life safety related improvements.  A focal point of the project was the restoration of the small theater within the 1925 school building.  The theater was modernized and the audience chamber was redesigned to provide 320 seats.  This included the removal of the entire floor area and its replacement at new slopes for proper sight lines.  The cantilevered balcony was extended to accommodate additional seats.  To match the details of the old damaged radius balcony railings, BSA built new matching railings in its shop, and delivered them to the site for easy installation.  The stage of the theater was also enlarged while protecting the historically significant proscenium arch.

Back to Projects