HMS Architects Design the New Fine Arts Annex for Adams Middle School

HMS Architects, a New Orleans based firm, has designed the new fine arts annex for John Quincy Adams Middle School. The ground breaking ceremony took place at a press conference last month.

As a critical part of a childs education, we wanted to reflect those values in our design for the Schools fine arts addition, said Charles Montgomery, Principal of HMS Architects. Our goal was to create something clean, simple and handsome, qualities we believe are integral to students exploration and discovery of art, especially music. The theatres floor is an example of how we incorporated the theme of music in the project, its a motif of piano keys.

The 6,600 square foot, state of the art facility will cost about 1.8 million and feature a performance area with seating for 250, along with a band rehearsal room for 150 students and a 20 by 30 foot proscenium stage for school plays, pageants and programs. Other design elements include a percussion practice room for 30 students, two dressing rooms, two faculty practice rooms, a stage shop and other supporting spaces and offices.
The annex will be finished and ready for students in the spring of 2010.

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LSU Union Renovations to begin

Renovation of largest LSU theater To state-of-the-art facility to take 1 year

Construction of the LSU Union Theater designed by HMS Architects is set to begin. Scheduled to be completed in 2009 the renovation of this 1300 seat theater includes new a completely renovated interior including seating, new side box seating and an entirely new catwalk system. Also added are new inviting multi-story lobbies and circulation spaces, as well as pre-function spaces and new dressing rooms. Most importantly the acoustics of the room are being completely reworked to provide theater quality sound.

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SpringHill Suites Opens

New Hotel breaks with usual prototypes

The new Springhill Suites by Marriott in Bossier City, Louisiana, adjacent to the Harrahs Louisiana Downs, has opened. A grand opening is scheduled for September 25. This 150 room hotel includes lobby and public space designs by HMS as Marriott was in the midst of changing their Springhill Suites prototypes. HMS designed custom millwork for the lobby including the Reception Desk, Breakfast Nook and wood paneled Accent Wall. The designs incorporated warm wood tones and glowing patterns. Guestroom millwork including the desks and television console were designed by HMS. In addition HMS was able to select all of the furniture for the lobby and guestrooms, rather than use Marriott standards.

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St. Pauls Episcopal Church restored

Lakeview church back only 16 months after storm

In our effort to help in the New Orleans recovery, HMS Architects eagerly accepted the challenge of restoring the flooded St. Paul s Episcopal Church and School. Having sat in several feet of water during hurricane Katrina the renovation work required was extensive. After surveying the conditions HMS coordinated the restoration of the campus. The church and classrooms were up and running only sixteen months after the storm, bringing back life to the Lakeview neighborhood.

HMS to right fallen icon

Lighthouse to rise higher than before, and you can help



HMS Architects is working with the Save the Lake Foundation and the US Coast Guard to bring back a historic treasure to the New Orleans lakefront. After being severely damaged by hurricanes Katrina and Rita, the lighthouse has been meticulously catalogued and a design for its stabilization and renovation are being studied by HMS. Careful planning is underway to save the lighthouse from further damage and restore it to its original glory. The Save the Lake Foundation will also have a new museum and wetlands educational center at the lighthouse site.

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New Canal Lighthouse Article Times Picayune
Vote for the lighthouse to recieve free windows and doors

Falstaff Brewery Opens

Rehabilitated local icon reopens as much-needed mixed-income housing


The HMS Architects designed Falstaff Brewery Apartments are now open and available for rent. This historic rehabilitation of a six building brewery complex provides much needed housing in the downtown corridor. Apartments come in one to three bedroom configurations and are available to low income families as well as having market rate units available. Located just minutes from downtown and the French Quarter the units have large existing windows to take advantage of the views to the downtown skyline.

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Falstaff Article in local Times-Picayune Paper
Falstaff Article in Architecture Record
Falstaff Article from City Business

Marrero Readiness Center Completed

The facility will obtain LEED Gold certification

Within very stringent time constraints, HMS Architects designed the Louisiana Army National Guard Marrero Readiness Center and received accolades for the quality of the design and the building sustainability. In addition to meeting all of the space requirements and anti terrorism criteria, the facility will obtain Gold LEED accreditation.

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Covington Readiness Center Completed

The facility is shooting for LEED Gold certification

HMS Architects is the design leader for the Citadel Builders design/build team constructing the Louisiana National Guard Readiness Center in Covington , Louisiana . The building is being designed to achieve Gold LEED accreditation and will include an assembly, space, administration offices, classrooms, locker rooms, storage and vehicle maintenance facilities.

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