“From my point of view, the new Grove worked magnificently. We managed all the attendees with relative ease. I received many compliments from disabled patrons who were pleased with our improvements. The stage itself made a beautiful focal point and the new production facilities performed flawlessly.”
Stern Grove Concert Facilities
Stern Grove Festival Association, San Francisco
The new facilities for the popular free summer concert series include a stage and backstage complex with dressing rooms, green room, office, technical support areas and public restrooms. A sculptural metal truss, evocative of the surrounding trees, supports a retractable fabric shade cover, stage lighting and speakers. During concerts, a giant “sail” covers the stage providing shade for the performers.
The buildings were designed in a simple rustic style to accentuate the tranquil outdoor setting with durable, low maintenance materials. For security outside the concert season, movable barn doors and shutters protect windows and glass doors.
Designed jointly with the Office of Lawrence Halprin, masterplanner and landscape architect for Stern Grove, the project was constructed within nine months to accommodate the summer concert season without interruption. Construction started the day after the last concert and finished a few weeks before the following season.