Lackland Center wins architectural award

HACKETTSTOWN — Centenary College’s David and Carol Lackland Center was recently highlighted in American School and University Magazine in the Outstanding Design category. Institutions that were selected were judged by three industry professionals from Washington, D.C., Colorado and California: Christopher O’Brien, Director of Sustainability from American University; Paul C. Hutton, Principal, Hutton Architecture Studio; and John R. Dale; Principal, Harley Ellis Devereaux. “It is such an honor for Centenary’s newest building to be recognized nationally in this manner,” said Dr. Barbara-Jayne Lewthwaite, Centenary College President. “The David and Carol Lackland Center has certainly made the goal of Centenary becoming ‘A Beacon for the Region’ one that is now a reality.” Criteria that were considered important when choosing citation winners included building sustainability/daylighting, security, transparency, flexibility, adaptability and community connection. Some other elements that the buildings needed to possess included the efficient use of space and incorporating a connection to nature and encouraging a learning relationship between the inside and outside. The Collaborative Inc. architects for the college’s latest project, submitted the Lackland Center to American School and University for consideration. The David and Carol Lackland Center opened in the fall of 2010. It was made possible by a lead gift from Centenary alumna Carol Burgess Lackland, a member of the Class of 1954 and a Centenary College President’s Circle Member, and David A. Lackland, a college trustee. It is a 68,000-square-foot building that provides a home for the Centenary Stage Company; WNTI 91.9 FM radio station; and CCTV Channel 23 television station. It also houses a 485-seat theater named the Sitnik Theater; the Edith Bolte Kutz ’42 Theater, which is a black box theater; a 400-seat dining hall; a 55-seat café; a dance studio; as well as classrooms, offices, meeting spaces and lounges. The Lackland Center was also selected for Warren County Economic Development Corporation Tourism Award recently making the center the recipient of two awards in recent months.