Alberta Bair Theater - High Plains Architects

ALBERTA BAIR THEATER REMODEL FEASIBILITY
BILLINGS, MONTANA
In early 2007, High Plains Architects
was approached by the board of the
Alberta Bair Theater (ABT) to do a
feasibility study for an expansion and
remodel of their current theater. With
the ABT’s 20th Anniversary fast
approaching, this study was scheduled
to be revealed at the 20th Anniversary
Gala Event in May 2007. Unveiled to
several hundred theater fans, the first
impressions of the feasibility study
generated much excitement.
The exterior rendering of the proposed
CURRENT
theater remodel depicts a soaring
addition that would add two levels to the Broadway side of the theater and three levels to
the Third Avenue side, creating an additional 5,000 to 7,000 square feet of space.
Adding square footage would allow for a larger lobby, more restrooms, handicap access
to all levels via elevator, consolidation of ABT operations into one building, all of which will
improve the overall comfort and flow of theater patrons. Incorporating a more
transparent facade will serve to add interest to a seemingly lack-luster facade by
showcasing the goings-on inside the theater, creating a lively connection between the
building and passers-by on the street.
FUTURE
The theater was once known as “The Lantern on Broadway,” and it is High Plains
Architects’ hope that this remodel will bring that idea back to the forefront both
figuratively and
literally; the
literal being the
architectural
interpretation of
the spire
anchored at the
corner of the
building. This
feature not only
gives the
building a
resounding
physical
presence in
downtown
Billings, but it
can also serve
as a beacon to
theater
enthusiasts.
EXTERIOR VIEW
ARCHITECTURAL RENDERING BY JIM COLLINS
STAGE
LOWER
BALCONY
PROPOSED
REMODEL
AND
EXPANSION
AREA
LOWER BALCONY
STAGE
LOBBY
FLOOR SEATING
(SEATS NOT SHOWN)
PROPOSED
REMODEL
AND
EXPANSION
AREA