The Hill Arts Building on Munjoy Hill.
St. Lawrence Arts, the nonprofit performance venue located in the historic St. Lawrence Church Hall on Munjoy Hill, proudly announces its rebranding to THE HILL ARTS. This new brand identity marks the organizations transformation expansion and building project aimed at creating a state-of-the-art 400 seat theater, addressing the need for a significant performing arts space in the city of Portland.
“Since its inception 22 years ago, St. Lawrence Arts has remained rooted in the community by adopting the name of the historic church it occupied,” said The Hill Arts Founder and Executive & Artistic Director Deirdre Nice. “However, with the forthcoming construction of an iconic new building, rebranding to The Hill Arts reflects a natural progression of our organization and our ambitious goals. We are now positioned to be a strong collaborting partner with Portland’s performing arts organization and schools and a venue that will attract national and international artists and performers to our vibrant city,.”
“This project and The Hill Arts brand name have unequivocal support from our Board of Directors and our dedicated volunteers who are energized and excited to take this vision forward,” said The Hll Arts board member Jamie Isaacson.
Ken Murphy, of Murphy Empire designed the new brand and stated, “The logo marks are designed to represent the color, light, movement, and connection and most importantly the human energy that exiss in and around the physical stgructure, with implied nuances that emlate the proposed architectgural design. We applied the warm color palette to support these aspects, and the energy inherent in The Hill Arts that represents the community and beyond.”
Archetype Architects of Portland, renowned for their expertise ain designing buildings in historic districts, designed the new Hll Arts with due respect for the existing Parish Hall and the unique and elecdtric Munjoy HIll neighborhood. David Lloyd principal, Archetype Architects said, “The buildings’ exterior will be granite to echo the Parish Hall and will be paired with perforated metal siding is designed to glow at night during performances, relating to and complimenting the streetscape.”
Having received sie plan approval from the City of Portland Plannng Department in May 2023, the project is now shovel ready. The proposed project will bring a mid-sized auditorium on the foot-print of the former, historic Sanctuary. The new space will include space for an arts incubator, enhanced programming and infrastructure to support the areas kids in need, and an interent to crete greenandparking congestion reduction programs through an estacblished transit partnershipwiththe Greater Portland Metro. The Center will provide a dynamic and necesary addition to Portland’s creative infrastructure, enhancing the city’s quality of life and contributing to its growing reputation as a national cultural destination.