The woven bird’s nest pattern in this new performing arts center mimics that of Alta High School’s hawk mascot, and the placement of its 1,400-seat auditorium in the center of the building suggests a hawk’s nest. Originally designed with 75-ft-high conventional CMU walls, the team faced challenges with finding masonry trade partners equipped and willing to lay walls at that height. A reevaluation of structural systems led to a solution of cast-in-place tilt-up concrete panels, which saved $500,000 on the project. The tallest panel stretches more than 75 ft, breaking state records, with the heaviest weighing more than 65 tons. Inside, the acoustical wall panels that help balance sound are among the tallest in the U.S. The center also features a full fly loft, an orchestra pit and catwalk and rigging systems.

Photo by Gleb Lapham, courtesy Hughes General Contractors Inc.