From a nondescript warehouse to a light-filled, modern arts facility

The Howard Center is a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to visual and performing arts at Roman Catholic High School (RCHS).

This first phase of a $25 million project brings an innovative, 21st-century education to students, providing classrooms, a piano lab, a digital arts studio, band rooms, and offices for instructors. A unique feature of the center is a black box theater, where students and local arts groups can perform and exhibit their works.

The building’s design overcomes challenges such as low ceilings and limited natural light by lifting the roof, adding skylights, and flipping the program to the second floor, creating greater volumes and more space for large-scale functions.

Art influences life; it raises aspirations and helps to create a more human world. Strada's team of architects designed a building that inspires, creates excitement, and promotes creativity in our students in the visual and performing arts.

Father Joseph W. Bongard President and Rector, Roman Catholic High School