Education Groundbreaking

Boston Ballet Breaks Ground on Expansion

The Arrival © Gensler

Exterior and Vestibule © Gensler

The Active Lounge © Gensler

(l-r) Boston Ballet Artistic Director Mikko Nissinen; trustee and “Campaign for Newton” chairwoman E. Pixley Schiciano; and Executive Director Meredith Max Hodges / photo by Meghan Moore

Boston Ballet trustee and “Campaign for Newton” chairwoman E. Pixley Schiciano (holding shovel) with project supporters and partners, and Boston Ballet leadership / photo by Meghan Moore

Newton – Boston Ballet School recently broke ground on its new Newton Studio at 153 Needham Street. Announced earlier this year, the expansion and relocation will include a total of seven studios — two more than the current space — responding to increased demand in the western suburbs.

Opening in summer 2017 at Newton Nexus, a vibrant retail destination under development by Crosspoint Associates, the Boston Ballet School’s new studio will offer a range of benefits for Boston Ballet School community: expanded and improved facilities for students, families and staff; a three-fold increase in parking; a larger network of neighboring amenities with shopping options and restaurants; and a more central location in the Western suburbs.

The Gensler design team envisions an expansive professional setting that will reflect the ballet’s commitment to inclusion and accessibility.

In addition to Gensler and Crosspoint, the project team includes Carr Enterprises, Colliers, Cushman & Wakefield, and Ropes & Gray.

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“It is important to us to address the holistic experience for our students and families—from studio space and locker rooms to lounge areas and dedicated physical therapy space,” said Margaret Tracey, director of Boston Ballet School. “The new space will reflect the high quality ballet education we offer at Boston Ballet School and will enable us to serve the community for years to come.”

“By culling feedback from more than four hundred constituent voices early in the process, Boston Ballet gained a robust understanding of the needs and aspirations of its community,” noted Patricia Nobre, designer at Gensler. She continued, “This transformational investment will nurture a full spectrum of learners and celebrate the integrated identities of Boston Ballet and Boston Ballet School.While young children and their families will flock to the active lounge, the area designated for quiet work offer an alternative for those that need to maintain focus.”