More flexibility is found in The Fermentation Room. With telescopic seating, the former aging room supports audiences of 100 guests and is equipped with an overhead catwalk system, flexible stage lighting system, acoustic control banners, and a wall railing system that allows easy attachment of scenery, lights, and equipment.
The Momentary Receives USITT Architecture Merit Award
Firm News – Mar 2026
Schuler Shook is proud to announce that The Momentary has received a 2026 USITT Architecture Merit Award.
Led by Wheeler Kearns Architects, we were privileged to serve as theatre consultants on this transformative project, turning a 70-year-old decommissioned cheese factory into a multidisciplinary contemporary arts venue. The 63,000 SF building and 10.5‑acre campus features flexible indoor and outdoor venues where performance intersects with visual art, culinary experiences, and social activity.
RØDE House Before
RØDE House After
Once the intake room for milk truck deliveries, the RØDE House is now a highly versatile 350-seat space for music, dance, and theatre performances. Equipped with a flexible stage lighting system mounted to overhead trusses, bi-fold glass doors that open to the outdoors, and an adjustable floor made up of 10 high-capacity lifts, the space can be quickly and easily transformed to create varied stage and audience configurations.
Surrounded by artifacts from The Momentary’s former life, The Tower is one of the building’s prime features. Contiguous to a main gallery, the space provides a flexible 70-foot performance room with portable seating systems and optimized rigging and lighting support systems that allow various sizes and shapes of performances.
On the grounds of The Momentary is an outdoor music venue that supports audiences of over 4,000. Schuler Shook advised on audience foot traffic, sightlines, accessibility strategies, and planned the stage power to support touring artists.
Congratulations to Wheeler Kearns and lead project architect, Calli Verkamp, AIA LEED AP, on this well-deserved recognition. We are proud to have been a part in bringing this unique space to life.