Modern Theatre
Boston mayor Thomas Menino, Suffolk University president David Sargent, RF Walsh Collaborative Partners and local community members marked the official topping off of the Modern Theatre project. Those in attendance celebrated the important construction milestone of Suffolk University's newest residence hall, which includes the restoration of the landmark Modern Theatre and continual revitalization of the Downtown Crossing neighborhood.
The new Modern Theatre, which is scheduled for completion in the fall of 2010, includes the creation of a 184-seat theater with a first floor viewing gallery and a new residence hall on Suffolk University's campus. RF Walsh Collaborative Partners is the project manager on the project.
"I'm delighted to be here today to begin the process of bringing the Modern Theatre back to life," said mayor Menino during the ceremony. "Since taking office, I have made historic preservation of theater space a top priority of my administration. I am so proud of how far we have come in reaching this goal. Restoring the Modern is the last piece, and I'm proud that as we complete this restoration we will also be advancing Suffolk's goal of creating more on-campus housing for students."
The Modern Theatre, for which Suffolk University will attempt LEED Silver certification, will be able to convert between a classic theater-style format and a flat-floor function room that enables lectures, films, performances and receptions.
"We are proud to be a part of the Modern Theater project which will play a critical role in the revival of the Downtown Crossing area," said Jack Hobbs, president and CEO of RF Walsh Collaborative Partners. "One of our specialties at RF Walsh Collaborative Partners is historic preservation, and it is gratifying to help lead the restoration of this beautiful building so that it can be utilized by students and community members for generations to come."