Marvel Designs, which has been working with the LPCA on the upcoming renovation of the center’s performance and gallery building, will be presenting details about the new design starting next week, also providing a look at the creative process behind some of their other projects.

“It seemed really fitting to end the run in the gallery with an exhibition about the future,” said LPCA Managing Director Jon Donk. “It’s a really fitting way to take a pause while we do construction and promise to the community that the future is going to be bright for the artists who participate in the gallery.”

Marvel Designs is a multidisciplinary design practice that encompasses the disciplines of architecture, landscape architecture, urban design and interior design. Lissa So, a founding partner of the firm, said they pride themselves on having an especially collaborative process, both internally and with clients.

This exhibition is a bit of a novel opportunity for Marvel as well, since they don’t always get the chance to showcase the full process behind their work. They will be showing six projects, including sketches, material samples and physical models.

“It’s going to show a lot of things that you don’t usually get to see — old versions of the design and messy things that don’t usually see the light of day outside of our office,” said Vonn Weisenberger, a senior architect with Marvel. “It’s really fun to be able to show off how we work and the sort of creativity that goes into all of that.”

There will be an opening reception on Friday, Aug. 15 from 5 to 7 p.m. So will speak at 5:45 p.m. about the firm’s past work and the vision for the new building. So and Weisenberger said the collaboration with the Lake Placid community, which started in 2022, has been rewarding so far.

“Projects like the LPCA renovation, where it’s working very closely with an organization that is so deeply rooted in their community, is the kind of project that we love to work on,” Weisenberger said. “It gives us energy and inspiration and gets us very excited about the work.”

The challenge that Marvel Designs tackled was creating a design that was new and functional, while still honoring the history, memories and meaning of the old building. This was something that was important to both the architects and the LPCA.

“There’s so many memories that you want to make sure that you hold on to the soul of the place,” So said. “But still allow it to transform into something that feels new and forward thinking.”

Another goal was to create a sense of belonging. This manifests itself in practical design choices, like expanding the lobby and creating a main entrance that is clear. As it is, the current building has multiple doors for access. The new gallery space will be clearly designated and set apart from the lobby.

The theater will also have a new design that the architects hope will be more intimate, with the first level of the audience being at the same level as the stage and a balcony above it.

Donk said the LPCA wanted to make sure the building is still recognizable, but with a timeless, modern aesthetic that can continue to be a source of inspiration.

“The challenge is that this space is sacred, in some ways,” he said. “It’s multigenerational, so you have parents or even grandparents watching their children or grandchildren experience live art in the same place that they did as children.”

This final exhibit at the LPCA Gallery will be open from Aug. 15 until Aug. 30. Gallery hours are Wednesday through Saturday from 1 to 5 p.m.