Teh Sarasota Orchestra has assembled its dream team for its planned music center, adding a renowned landscape architectural firm to the roster.
OJB, based in Houston with offices across the US, joins forces with design architect William Rawn Associates, executive architect HKS, and engineering firm George F. Young. This powerhouse team will work in harmony to create a truly exceptional space.
“Their collaborative spirit will ensure a design concept that is both sensitive and cohesive,” says Joseph McKenna, president and CEO of Sarasota Orchestra. “The building must cater to all our activities,from concerts to community events. The civil engineer ensures smooth access and flow, while the landscaping will create a welcoming environment for generations to come.”
OJB, founded in 1989, boasts an impressive portfolio, from new York City’s Freedom Plaza to Omaha’s vibrant Gene Leahy Mall at The RiverFront. Their expertise extends to private residences, retail spaces, prestigious universities like Baylor and Rice, and iconic projects like Warner Bros.Second Century Burbank Studios and the American Airlines campus in Fort Worth.
McKenna reveals the orchestra carefully evaluated numerous firms before selecting OJB. “They were all exceptional,” he says, “but OJB emerged as the perfect fit, aligning seamlessly with our vision.”
Collaboration is key, according to McKenna. He emphasizes the importance of all design and engineering firms working together harmoniously.
Despite hurricane-related delays, McKenna expects an initial growth concept plan to be ready by early 2025.
“2025 promises to be an exciting year,” he says.”We’ll unveil the development concept plan,celebrate our current season,and welcome our new Music Director,Giancarlo guerrero,for his inaugural season.”
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How will the Sarasota community benefit from the new music center?
Interview with Joseph mckenna: Creating a Musical Haven with the Sarasota Orchestra
Editor: Welcome, Joseph McKenna, president and CEO of the Sarasota Orchestra. ItS an exciting time for your association, especially with the latest news about the upcoming music center. Can you share how the collaboration with OJB and other firms aligns with your vision for this project?
Joseph McKenna: Thank you for having me! We are thrilled about our collaboration with OJB, William Rawn Associates, HKS, and George F. Young. Each firm brings unique expertise to the table, and our collaborative spirit will ensure we develop a design that is both sensitive to our community’s needs and cohesive in function. The goal is to create an remarkable space that caters not only to concerts but also to a variety of community events.
Editor: Collaboration seems to be a focal point of your strategy. Why is this vital when designing the music center?
Joseph McKenna: collaboration is essential as the demands of a multifaceted venue like this one are significant. each team—design architects, civil engineers, and landscape architects—must work in harmony. As an example, ensuring smooth access and flow within the building is just as important as making it aesthetically pleasing. The landscaping will enhance the environment, creating a welcoming space that can be enjoyed by generations.
Editor: OJB has an extraordinary portfolio of projects. What qualities made them the right fit for the Sarasota Orchestra?
Joseph McKenna: We evaluated numerous exceptional firms before selecting OJB. Their experience with significant urban projects, unique public spaces, and institutional buildings really resonated with our vision. OJB stood out not just for their design capabilities, but also for their understanding of how public spaces can foster community engagement.
Editor: Hurricane-related delays have been a concern. How has this impacted your timeline, and what can we expect in terms of progress?
Joseph McKenna: Yes, the delays due to hurricanes were challenging, but we remain optimistic. We anticipate having an initial growth concept plan ready by early 2025. This year promises to be very exciting for us; we’ll unveil the growth concept plan while also celebrating our current season and welcoming our new Music Director, Giancarlo Guerrero, for his inaugural season.
editor: Looking ahead, what impact do you hope the new music center will have on the Sarasota community?
Joseph mckenna: We envision the music center as a cultural hub for the Sarasota community—a place where people of all ages can come together to experience music, art, and culture. It will foster creativity, encourage learning, and maintain a commitment to accessibility. We hope this space will inspire generations of musicians and art lovers alike.
Editor: Any final thoughts for our readers who are eager to know more about the Sarasota Orchestra’s future?
Joseph McKenna: We encourage the community to stay engaged with us. Follow our updates as we approach key milestones in this project. We are committed to creating a space that reflects the vibrant spirit of Sarasota and amplifies our mission to bring music to everyone. Thank you for your interest and support!
Editor: Thank you for your insights, Joseph. We look forward to following the progress of this thrilling project.
This interview highlights the Sarasota Orchestra’s exciting plans for a new music center, emphasizing collaboration, community impact, and the expertise of the included architectural firms.For more updates, follow the Sarasota Orchestra’s journey.