Teaming with Hartford’s vibrant South End Association, Tecton’s addition and renovation to the popular and well-used Metzner Center carefully incorporates cost savings by fitting the single-story addition between the site’s underground flood control conduits and scaling back certain program elements.
A 20’ high connector with crafts gallery, lunch café and central orientation space links the addition to the existing structure. Visually sympathetic to the 1920’s “Art Deco” community hall, the addition introduces a design vernacular featuring deep overhangs, brick colonnades, multiple brick tones and textures, and a rhythm of monumental punctuated glass openings.
Now movie viewing, dances, even wedding receptions (supported by the adjacent servery) are held in the renovated Assembly Hall, expanding its former use as a crafts and bingo location.
Following the Grand Opening, the Mayor’s office proclaimed the Metzner Center as the new standard of excellence by which all other city community centers will be judged.