Interior view of an ornate theater with multiple levels of seating, red carpeted stairs, gold decorative trim, and lighting fixtures, ready for a performance.

Historic Music Hall Renovation

Cultural Institution · Historic Performance Venue
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania · Completed 2024

Renovation of a historic civic and performance venue requiring careful coordination among preservation priorities, accessibility, public use, building operations, design intent, budget, schedule, and construction logistics.

As Director of Construction and Project Management, I provided in-house owner’s representation and capital project leadership throughout design and construction. I coordinated institutional stakeholders, architects, consultants, contractors, and operations teams while maintaining alignment among historic stewardship, technical requirements, project delivery, and the needs of an active cultural institution.

The completed renovation improved accessibility, preserved significant historic details, and maintained operational continuity within the surrounding performance and event spaces throughout construction.

Project credit: This work was completed in my in-house role at the cultural institution, prior to the establishment of Simonetti Studio.

A person wearing a red and black plaid shirt restoring a sculptural element of an historic theater with various tools and materials on the table.
The interior of a theater or auditorium under renovation. The space features multiple tiers of seating, ornate architectural details, and a large, decorated ceiling. Construction workers and equipment are present, indicating ongoing work.
Interior view of a theater with red seats arranged in a curved pattern. The ceiling features ornate molding and recessed lighting. The walls are decorated with gold accents and small arches, with a balcony level with additional seating. There is a pe
Close-up of smashed orange-red tile with rough edges placed on a dark surface.
Close-up of a person restoring a decorative element of the historic theater with a circular design and petal-like features. The person is holding a small tool and working on the sculptural element.
Scaffolding structure set up inside an ornate theater or auditorium, with intricate gold decorations and architectural details visible on the walls and ceiling.

Press

Restoring a ‘Palace of Music’

By Bob Batz, Jr.
Carnegie Magazine | Spring 2024

Pittsburgh’s Historic Carnegie Music Hall reopens following accessibility upgrades and restorations to decorative elements

By Maria José Guitiérrez Chávez
Architect’s Newspaper | March 5, 2024

Selected projects completed in prior in-house institutional leadership and architectural practice roles. These projects are included to illustrate the experience, judgment, and perspective that inform Simonetti Studio’s advisory approach to cultural capital projects, owner’s representation, planning, and implementation.

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