Joan and Irwin Jacobs Performing Arts Center, a.k.a. The Joan

Liberty Station – Arts District – The Joan and Irwin Jacobs Performing Arts Center “The Joan”

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 resulting terracotta tone ties The Joan to the other restored buildings of Liberty Station, reinforcing a shared architectural language that honors San Diego’s naval and civic past.

Before its transformation, Building 178 had a rich and varied life as a hub of leisure and gathering for Navy personnel. Originally constructed as the base exchange—a kind of communal shopping mall for service members—the building also housed a dance club upstairs called “Hot Sounds,” and a bowling alley in the basement. These past uses informed the spirit of the renovation, with elements of the bowling alley directly inspiring the design of the lobby space. The new lobby nods to this playful, communal history while reinterpreting it through a contemporary lens, welcoming today’s visitors into a space that’s both vibrant and rooted in memory.

This careful attention to detail extended to the preservation and enhancement of original architectural features, such as structural elements, openings, and the symmetrical rhythm of the building. New infrastructure—acoustics, lighting, AV, HVAC, IT, and security—was discretely integrated to support modern performance needs without compromising the historic character. The result is a thoughtful balance between restoration and innovation, where materials are treated with reverence and updated systems remain quietly in service of the art and architecture.

The Joan will be the new permanent home of Cygnet Theatre beginning September 10, 2025, in celebration of its 21st season. This move builds upon Cygnet’s deep San Diego roots—starting in a 165-seat Rolando theater in 2002, then growing into the 246-seat Old Town Theatre—now
culminating in a custom-designed, purpose-built space that serves artists and audiences alike.

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.

As a civic landmark reinvigorated for public use, The Joan reflects a commitment to placemaking, cultural continuity, and architectural stewardship. The design enhances Liberty Station's identity as a regional arts destination while preserving the story of its past. Rooted in time, place, and community, The Joan invites audiences, artists, and neighbors alike to gather, connect, and be inspired—todayand for generations to come.

Photography credits: obr Architecture, Gregg Cantor, Juan Carlos Ruiz & Karli Cadel