SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
WYK ASSOCIATES, INC.
Bringing Culture
and Art to Life
The $16 Million Renovation and
Restoration of the Robinson
Grand Performing Arts Center
WYK Associates, Inc., a full-service architectural firm
in Clarksburg, WV, served as the architect for the com-
plete renovation and restoration of the Robinson Grand
Performing Arts Center (RGPAC). The historic theatre
first opened its doors in 1913. After being closed for
nearly 20 years, it is now ready to serve the region for
the next century.
A construction photo of the Robinson Grand
Performing Arts Center taken in late July.
“My attachment to this project goes beyond any other,
as I am personally connected to it,” says Architect James
Swiger. “I have memories of attending this theatre with
my family as a child to watch movies and plays. In the
1970’s, it was the only theatre in the area.”
According to Swiger, the project consists of many dif ferent
layers of classification, including restoration, re habilitation,
renovation and additions. The 45,000-square-foot project
included restoring the building’s exterior, updating the
performance hall to seat over 1,000 guests and adding
all new HVAC, finishes, electrical, sound, stage rigging,
plumbing, roof, concessions, restrooms, stage curtains,
lighting, sound systems, dressing rooms, LED lighting,
a barrel-vaulted-ceiling ballroom, a multipurpose edu-
cational center, caterer’s kitchen, circular bar, two new
elevators, a loading dock and a state-of-the-art marquee
and blade sign as well as structural enhancements.
While WYK prides itself on its restoration work, the
importance to detail on this project was about more than
just restoring an old building—it was about restoring a
lifestyle that was once the norm in Clarksburg and the
entire North Central West Virginia region.
“The RGPAC will be a catalyst for revitalization in
downtown Clarksburg,” says Swiger. “It will boost the
local economy by bringing arts, restaurants, coffee shops
and the like back to Clarksburg to accommodate guests.
Also, this could spur the need for lodging in the downtown
area,” says WYK’s Senior Project Manager Stephen Kelley.
WYK has been working on this project in some capac-
ity since 2014, from the initial design concepts through
construction. Construction commenced in early 2017,
and the grand opening is scheduled for October 20, 2018.
“WYK Associates has always be lieved in giving back
to the community,” says Swiger. “We have given in-kind
as well as monetary donations to this venture be cause it
will enhance the community. Every decision made and
our team’s approach were based on what was best for the
project and its end users. We all knew we were working
on something special. We may work on other historic
theatres in the future, but there will only be one with
this unique connection in our hometown.”
James B. Swiger, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C – President
205 Washington Avenue, Clarksburg, WV 26301
(304) 624-6326 | www.wykarchitects.com | [email protected]