Consigli Wins Building Award for the Crewe Center for the Arts Project

The Crewe Center for the Arts stands as a bold and transformative addition to the University of Southern Maine, blending architectural ambition, technical precision, and cultural significance within an active campus environment. Designed as Maine’s only All-Steinway institution of higher education, the facility was constructed to meet exceptionally high-performance standards, ensuring optimal conditions for world-class instruments while delivering an immersive acoustic and artistic experience. 

At the heart of the project was a commitment to excellence in both form and function. The building integrates advanced structural systems with carefully curated materials, creating a space that is as visually striking as it is technically sophisticated. The performance hall, in particular, showcases the project’s complexity, featuring custom-designed acoustic elements and seamlessly integrated building systems that required an extraordinary level of coordination and craftsmanship. 

Constructed within a fully operational campus, the project required meticulous planning to maintain safety and minimize disruption to students, faculty, and visitors. The team also undertook the relocation of a 200-year-old farmhouse. This effort preserved an important piece of the site’s history while making way for new construction. This balance between preservation and progress reflects the broader vision of the project: honoring the past while creating a forward-looking cultural asset. 

Through close collaboration with the owner and project partners, Consigli delivered a facility that not only meets but exceeds the University’s academic and artistic goals. Today, the Crewe Center serves as a vibrant hub for performances, exhibitions, and community events, enriching both the campus and the broader Maine arts landscape. 

INNOVATION 

Innovation is woven throughout the Crewe Center, most notably in its use of mass timber and advanced acoustic design. The structure incorporates exposed glulam beams and wood ceilings, combining structural efficiency with natural warmth while reducing embodied carbon. These elements were installed by Consigli’s self-perform team, requiring precise sequencing and coordination to ensure both structural integrity and aesthetic quality. 

The performance hall represents a particularly ambitious feat of engineering and craftsmanship. Designed to deliver exceptional acoustics, the space includes five 600-pound star-shaped reflectors and seven diamond-shaped reflectors, each fabricated using CNC technology. These elements were carefully engineered to integrate concealed mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems within their geometry—an approach that required close coordination between trades and acoustic consultants. 

To ensure flawless execution, the team constructed a full-scale mock-up and utilized specialized scaffolding to test installation methods. Hundreds of feet of webbed cable systems were used to secure the reflectors, preserving their precise geometry and ensuring optimal acoustic performance. The result is a highly refined performance environment that seamlessly blends technical innovation with artistic expression. 

COMMUNITY IMPACT 

From the outset, the Crewe Center project was driven by a strong commitment to community engagement and accessibility. Working within an active campus, the project team prioritized opportunities for public interaction, hosting tours for industry groups and local organizations throughout construction. These efforts provided insight into the building process and fostered a sense of shared investment in the project’s success. 

Following completion, Consigli hosted a subcontractor appreciation event, inviting trade partners and their families to experience the finished facility. This gathering offered a unique opportunity for those who contributed to the project to see the final result of their work and celebrate the collective effort behind its delivery. The event highlighted the critical role of skilled trades and reinforced the value of collaboration and craftsmanship. 

Today, the Crewe Center serves a wide audience, including students, faculty, visiting artists, and the public. By hosting performances, exhibitions, and events, the facility has become an important cultural destination, enhancing Maine’s artistic community while providing a dynamic space for creative expression. 

ENVIRONMENT 

Sustainability and environmental sensitivity were central to the project’s design and execution. The Crewe Center achieved LEED Gold certification through a combination of high-performance systems and thoughtful material selection. Strategies such as daylighting, energy recovery, airtight construction, and enhanced insulation contribute to reduced energy consumption while improving occupant comfort. 

The use of mass timber plays a significant role in lowering the building’s embodied carbon, while also supporting sustainable forestry practices. Site design further reinforces environmental responsibility, incorporating permeable surfaces and native, drought-tolerant plantings that support pollinators and reduce maintenance needs. 

Additional features, including bird-safe glazing and regionally sourced materials, minimize the building’s ecological impact. Durable exterior materials were selected to withstand Maine’s coastal conditions, ensuring long-term resilience and reducing the need for future repairs or replacement. 

CHALLENGES 

The Crewe Center presented a range of unique challenges, particularly in meeting the stringent requirements of an All-Steinway institution. The facility houses 26 Steinway pianos, each requiring carefully controlled environmental conditions to maintain performance quality. This necessitated the design and construction of a highly specialized building envelope capable of maintaining precise temperature and humidity levels despite Maine’s extreme seasonal variations. 

To achieve this, the team collaborated with third-party consultants to develop an advanced envelope system that exceeds typical standards for airtightness and insulation. This level of performance ensures the protection of sensitive instruments while also enhancing comfort for occupants. 

Another significant challenge involved the relocation of a historic 200-year-old farmhouse. The structure was stabilized using additional wood and steel supports before being lifted and moved approximately 100 feet to a new foundation. This complex operation required careful planning and execution, ultimately preserving the building for future use while allowing construction of the new facility to proceed. 

RESPONSIVENESS / PARTNERING 

A collaborative, client-focused approach was essential to the project’s success. From preconstruction through completion, Consigli worked closely with the University, architects, engineers, acousticians, and specialty consultants to align on project goals and respond to evolving needs. 

This partnership proved particularly valuable in addressing complex challenges such as acoustic detailing, environmental controls, and coordination of building systems. Regular meetings, mock-ups, and open communication ensured that potential issues were identified early and resolved efficiently. 

By maintaining a transparent and proactive approach, the team was able to deliver a facility that reflects the University’s long-term vision. The completed Crewe Center has been enthusiastically received by stakeholders and stands as a testament to the power of strong collaboration. 

SAFETY 

Safety was a top priority throughout construction, particularly given the project’s location within a busy campus environment. Consigli implemented a comprehensive, site-specific safety plan designed to address the unique risks associated with the project, including heavy crane operations, mass timber installation, and work adjacent to occupied buildings. 

The safety program emphasized proactive planning, worker training, and continuous hazard identification. Daily coordination ensured that all team members were aware of ongoing activities and potential risks, while clear communication with campus stakeholders helped maintain safe pedestrian and vehicular circulation. 

Through careful planning and execution, the project team successfully navigated the complexities of the site while maintaining a strong safety culture, ensuring the well-being of workers, students, and the public alike. 

Conclusion 

The Crewe Center for the Arts exemplifies excellence in construction, design, and collaboration, bringing together technical innovation and cultural purpose in a truly transformative way. By delivering a highly specialized facility that meets the rigorous demands of an All-Steinway institution while enhancing the campus and broader community, Consigli has created a lasting asset for the University of Southern Maine. The project stands as a testament to what can be achieved through precision, partnership, and a shared vision—making it a deserving recipient of the Building Award. 

Learn more about the Build Maine Awards at www.agcmaine.org/bmas