Johnson Band Center Receives Design Awards

The Johnson Band Center, the new building constructed 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 chose the band center for a 2016 Merit Award.

The Johnson Band Center was dedicated on October 21, 2015. The new building 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 building 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, its impressive front canopy, and the effectiveness with which it has activated the formerly under-used outdoor space around it.