The Joan and Irwin Jacobs Performing Arts Center—The Joan—reimagines historic Navy Building 178 as a dynamic new venue for performance, connection, and community in the heart of Liberty Station’s Arts District. Designed by obrARCHITECTURE, this 40,000 SF, two-story adaptive reuse project preserves and elevates the historic fabric of the site while introducing vibrant new spaces for gathering, storytelling, and cultural engagement.

Located within a National Historic District, the project was guided by rigorous preservation standards and a deep respect for the building’s legacy. Every intervention was approached with care and precision—from preserving the original roof tiles, which were individually removed, stored off-site, and reinstalled to protect their historic integrity, to selecting the exterior color based on the documented historical palette from the time of significance.

The Joan will be the new permanent home of Cygnet Theatre beginning September 10, 2025, in celebration of its 21st season.

Some of The Joan’s key spaces include a 300-seat proscenium mainstage with gallery seating and state-of-the-art production equipment; The Dottie, a 125-seat flexible studio theater for new works and experimental formats; and a 900 SF rehearsal and flex space, available for community rental and events. Additional amenities include ADA-accessible seating throughout, multiple restrooms, concessions, and open-air lobby areas, along with landscaped outdoor patios designed for intermissions, gatherings, and special events.

Photographer Credits: Juan Carlos Ruiz and Karli Cadel

VISIT THE PROJECT WEBSITE FOR MORE INFORMATION!