Lawton C. Johnson Summit Middle School, Auditorium Restoration

Summit, New Jersey

Firm

EI Associates, Architects & Engineers, PA

Client

Summit Public Schools

Area

9,300 sq.ft.

Total Cost

$2,494,550

Completion Date

05/2015

EI recently completed the historic restoration of a 1923 gothic revival auditorium at the Lawton C. Johnson Summit Middle School. The goal of this project was to restore the auditorium to its original 1920s condition while thoughtfully integrating modern systems and amenities to serve Summit Public Schools well into the future.
Non-original seating was replaced with new upholstered wood seating that is designed to reflect the original 1923 wood and cast-iron seating. The renovation added new flooring and paint finishes and restored wood paneling, coffered ceilings and ornate plaster moldings.
The project restored and modernized six bronze chandeliers. Each was relamped with dimmable LED fixtures and new lighting controls.
New rigging and stage lighting, new stage flooring and stage curtains were also installed. An existing underfloor duct system was cleverly repurposed to inconspicuously support a modern air conditioning system.
This project won the Honor Award for Historic Preservation from the New Jersey Chapter of the American Institute of Architects.