Paul D. Wachholz College Center

Kalispell, Montana

Firm

Cushing Terrell

Client

Flathead Valley Community College

Area

51,418 sq.ft.

Total Cost

$21,466,877

Completion Date

06/2022

Longviews Studios

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The overall goal of the Wachholz College Center was to meld two programs that are usually separate — performing arts and athletics — into one facility. The project theme: Music in Motion.

The performing arts portion of the center features McClaren Hall, a 1,000-plus-seat performing arts center with state-of-the-art acoustics and the flexibility to accommodate concerts, lectures, dance performances, and musical theater productions. Additional music classrooms and individual practice spaces enable students to further rehearse and collaborate. The facility also houses a reception hall and art gallery, and an outdoor amphitheater rounds out the performance and gathering spaces.

Leveraging the idea of Music in Motion, the design team ensured all elements of the facility responded to and aligned with this theme — everything from the very visible exterior elements that represent musical.