The 1975 Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts was one of the most notable projects designed by the late Arizona architect Bennie Gonzales, FAIA, who also designed Scottsdale’s signature municipal structures, including the city hall and main library, which are linked to the arts center by the park-like Scottsdale Civic Center. Gonzales was known for his simple, pure forms that echoed both classic Southwestern and Native-American architectural themes. The 100,000-square-foot performing arts center was designed to include a large main theater, a smaller, secondary theater, gallery space, offices and a vast central atrium. During the course of the years, the arts center became a beloved venue in the city, hosting numerous performances, events, art shows and more. The theaters, the atrium and the galleries were tweaked to meet changing audience and city needs. Several years ago, however, it became apparent that the center was in need of a major renovation. It was time to bring everything up to current codes and standards, both from a technical, performance side as well as the patron side.
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