The new Armerding Center for Music and the Arts will house Wheaton College’s prestigious Conservatory of Music. Once operating in six buildings across campus, this new facility will bring all of the Conservatory’s programs under one roof creating a true hub of creative inspiration.
 
Mortenson recently completed the first phase of the project which included rebuilding three stories and the basement of Armerding Hall, the former science building. The new performing arts center that occupies this space features recording studios; a two-story, 110-seat Recital Hall with the green room; digital keyboard lab; chamber rehearsal and performance spaces; classrooms; practice rooms; and faculty and administrative offices. The second phase of the project, slated for Spring 2018, is the complete demolition of Breyer Laboratory and construction of a new Concert Hall in its place. This venue will hold performances for the public and is part of Wheaton College’s long-standing commitment to its music program, as well as to serving local, regional, and national audiences.
 
Due to the acoustic and sound control requirements for these spaces, Mortenson installed double ceilings, double-stud walls, and a chilled-beam heating and cooling system that provides low-noise humidity control. For more separation, Mortenson built isolated flooring systems and install acoustical wall treatments. Because every opening has the potential to impact acoustical excellence, Mortenson used 3D computer modeling and laser scanning to coordinate electrical pathways to reduce the number of penetrations.