View photos of the Vukovich Center
Communication Arts & Theatre Department
Polshek Partnership (project architect)
Home to Allegheny's innovative and popular communication arts and theatre programs, the $23 million, 40,000-square-foot Vukovich Center for Communication Arts opened in spring 2009. The Vukovich Center features state-of-the-art video production facilities, advanced instructional and rehearsal areas, and a stunning 250-seat theatre with support spaces including a green room and scene and costume shops. The Vukovich Center also has a "garden roof" of grass, ground cover, and trees. This contributes not only to the beauty of the building but also to making it a highly energy efficient structure.
To develop a state-of-the-art center that is virtually unequaled among Allegheny's peer schools, the College chose the world-renowned architectural firm Polshek Partnership, LLP, for the project. Polshek is considered to be among the top architectural firms for this type of facility. Among their credits are the Santa Fe Opera, the New York City Planetarium, the Clinton Presidential Library and the restoration of the Ed Sullivan Theater (home to the Late Show with David Letterman). They are also responsible for the Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center restorations.
The center is named in honor of Allegheny trustee emeritus Robert A. Vukovich and his wife, Laura J. Vukovich. A portion of their $22.2 million gift to Allegheny was used to fund the center. The College also received support for the project from several other generous donors, including alumni, friends, and foundations. In addition, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania provided $4 million for the Center through the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program.
