Frances M. Maguire Hall for Art & Education | Woodmere Art Museum

Frances M. Maguire Hall for Art & Education represents the adaptive reuse of a mid-19th century historic stone mansion into a contemporary cultural and educational facility at the Woodmere Art Museum. Originally constructed as St. Michael’s Hall and expanded in the late 1800s, the building was thoughtfully transformed to support gallery, classroom, and public program spaces while maintaining its historic character.

The project required a strategic structural approach to accommodate new assembly and gallery loading requirements within an existing masonry structure. Interior layouts were opened through the selective removal of non-bearing partitions and the introduction of new structural openings within load-bearing walls, creating flexible, interconnected spaces for exhibitions and events. New vertical circulation elements, including stairs and an elevator, were integrated to improve accessibility and functionality.

Targeted structural interventions strengthened existing floor systems to support increased capacity and modern code requirements, while localized foundation work enabled the introduction of an elevator pit and expanded basement areas. Exterior modifications, including the removal of an elevated stone patio and enclosed porch, allowed for the creation of new outdoor program space and improved site connectivity.

Throughout the project, structural solutions prioritized reinforcing and supplementing existing systems rather than replacement, maintaining compatibility with historic construction while meeting current performance demands. The result is a reimagined cultural space that balances preservation with adaptability – supporting Woodmere’s mission while extending the life and relevance of a historic structure.