Monmouth University has announced plans for a 30,000-square-foot facility for the Bruce Springsteen Archives and Center for American Music. Designed by CookFox Architects, the building will be located on the university’s campus, near where Springsteen wrote his iconic song “Born to Run”.
Scheduled to open in spring 2026, the museum will feature exhibition galleries, a 230-seat theatre, and archives, celebrating the legacy of Bruce Springsteen and American music.
Walters Group has been awarded this project and will be utilizing a hybrid construction approach. The facility will feature a steel perimeter and steel-framed theatre combined with a mass timber structure, including glulam beams, columns, and CLT flooring. Spanning three storeys and covering approximately 70′ x 200′, this project is one of the first in New York City to implement a fully integrated hybrid package managed by a single local contractor.
This integrated hybrid package approach means that Walters is responsible for the coordination and execution of steel and timber elements, rather than having separate contractors for each material. By handling the entire hybrid construction process, from design to installation, under one contract, this method will streamline project management and reduce the typical conflicts that arise when different contractors manage separate components of a project.
In collaboration with our valued partner, Timberlab, Metropolitan Walters will be using Tekla for BIM modeling to integrate glulam, CLT, and steel into a unified model. This strategy addresses approximately 90% of the common clashes between timber and steel by allowing for simultaneous planning and coordination of materials from the beginning.
The new erection plan allows for simultaneous installation of timber and steel, addressing traditional material tolerance issues This method enhances efficiency by reducing delays and material waste. By integrating mass timber, which has a lower carbon footprint, the approach also supports sustainability goals. Overall, it sets a new standard for hybrid construction by showing how effective material coordination can lead to more efficient and environmentally friendly building practices.
With steel and timber scheduled to arrive on site in early February 2025, Walters Group is honoured to be a part of this exciting project, paving the way for innovative hybrid construction practices in New York City.
We look forward to working with Timberlab, DeSimone Consulting Engineers and Torcon on bringing CookFox’s design to life!
Learn more about our role: www.waltersgroupinc.com/project/bruce-springsteen-archives
