Johnson Band Center receives design awards

The Johnson Band Center, built for the UNC Charlotte “Pride of Niner Nation” Marching Band, has received two design awards. In May, the building received a 2016 Merit Award from the South Carolina chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA). This month, the Charlotte chapter of the AIA also selected the band center for a 2016 Merit Award.

The Johnson Band Center was dedicated on Oct. 21, 2015. It is named for Vickie and Gene Johnson, UNC Charlotte alumni whose generous support launched the “Pride of Niner Nation” Marching Band.

Designed by Watson Tate Savory, the 6,700-square-foot Johnson Band Center features a conference room, workroom and offices. It also includes restrooms, a drum storage room and ample space to store musical instruments, uniforms and color guard equipment for the entire marching band.

The building design was praised for its visible connection to the adjacent Storrs Building, as well as its “impressive” front canopy and the effectiveness with which it has activated the formerly underused outdoor space around it.