The location of the new facility created an anchor at the school’s main entry and formed a defining edge along the northern boundary of the campus. The building is steeped in traditional forms that relate to the architectural fabric of the campus while being woven together with a contemporary glass curtain. This transparency highlights the two main performance spaces: the dance studio and the theater. The new Performing Arts Center is a transformative building, blending the historic aesthetics of the campus with a contemporary feel spanning generations as an iconic building for the Academy. Not only is this new facility a wonderful place to learn and create, it is a top performance space in the region and a venue that Gilmour Academy shares with its community.

The project incorporated the existing fine arts building understanding that reusing and retrofitting an existing building while improving its energy performance can offer an environmental savings compared to demolition and new construction.

The goal of the design team was to provide the most efficient energy systems possible. The building’s exterior was designed with a high-performance curtain wall and glazing system in order to prevent solar heat gain and glare from the east and west. Materials and products including paints, wall graphics, carpets, and furniture were screened to reduce VOC’s, PVC, and other toxic substances found on the Precautionary List. Use of these materials as well as increased ventilation through energy efficient air distribution helps to maintain clean and healthy indoor air quality.​

Some additional examples of sustainable design components for the Performing Arts Center are:
Daylight sensors that control artificial light levels and shading devices based on the amount of natural light in the space
Landscape design utilizing native and adaptive species eliminating the need for an irrigation system
Efficient management through construction for the reduction of waste, diverting as much waste material as possible from landfills
Specification of materials high in recycled content and that are available in this region
Specification of materials low in VOC content
Incorporating efficient plumbing fixtures reducing the use of potable water
Specifying highly efficient glass to reduce solar heat gain