Hackensack Cultural Arts Center | Hackensack

Here is a detailed account of the Hackensack Cultural and Performing Arts Center (HACPAC) in Hackensack, New Jersey:

1. Historical Background and Transformation

The Hackensack Cultural and Performing Arts Center is located at 102 State Street in downtown Hackensack. The building originally served as a Masonic Temple, constructed around the 1870s, making it one of the city's more historic structures. Its architectural significance and central location made it a natural choice for adaptive reuse.

In 2010, the City of Hackensack purchased the aging Masonic building with the goal of transforming it into a civic cultural hub. This decision was part of Hackensack’s broader Downtown Rehabilitation Plan, designed to revitalize the city’s core through investment in the arts, housing, and public spaces. The building underwent a multi-phase renovation led by DMR Architects, with funding and support from both local government and state agencies.

The restoration preserved key architectural features like arched windows, brick detailing, and high ceilings, while updating the structure to meet modern codes for accessibility, safety, and multimedia performance.

2. Architectural Layout and Design

First Floor: Cultural Arts Center

Purpose: This level serves as a community-oriented space with flexible functionality.

Features:

Art gallery for rotating exhibits by local and regional artists.

Multipurpose event room for workshops, receptions, and lectures.

ADA-compliant restrooms and elevators.

Lobby area with historical photographs and signage reflecting Hackensack’s cultural heritage.

Second Floor: Performing Arts Theater

Seating: Around 224 seats, with excellent sight lines and acoustics.

Stage: A full performance stage suitable for plays, concerts, dance, and multimedia productions.

Backstage: Includes dressing rooms, green room, prop storage, and technician space.

Technology:

State-of-the-art lighting and sound systems.

A/V control booth with digital consoles.

Climate-controlled interior for comfort during year-round programming.

The interior combines modern elegance with historical preservation, giving audiences a high-quality experience while honoring the building’s original character.

3. Programming and Events

The Hackensack Cultural and Performing Arts Center offers a diverse calendar of events throughout the year. Programming includes:

Performing Arts

Theatrical Productions: Plays, musicals, and dramatic readings, often produced by local groups like the Hackensack Theater Company and Teaneck Theater Company.

Concerts: Jazz, Latin, classical, R&B, and world music performances, including both emerging and Grammy-nominated artists.

Dance Shows: Including ballet, modern dance, and cultural dance troupes.

Visual Arts

Rotating Exhibits: Hosted in the first-floor gallery and often centered around local artists or cultural themes.

Art Walks & Openings: Public events with artist talks and receptions.

Comedy and Spoken Word

Stand-up comedy nights featuring regional talent and touring comedians.

Open mic poetry and literary readings.

Educational and Community Programs

Workshops: Art, music, acting, and theater for children and adults.

School partnerships: Local schools use the venue for student performances and civic education.

Seminars and public talks: Covering themes like diversity, heritage, and urban change.

A highlight of HACPAC’s programming is the "PAC the House" series, showcasing high-caliber performances from national and international artists in an intimate setting.

4. Atlantic Street Park Connection

Adjacent to the center is Atlantic Street Park, a vibrant green public space developed on a former parking lot. It features:

An outdoor performance stage for concerts, Shakespeare in the Park, and summer movie nights.

Lawn seating, picnic tables, and a wooden trellis.

Space for yoga, dance classes, and interactive family events.

Chess tables, walking paths, and seasonal installations.

The park allows HACPAC to expand its programming outdoors, especially during warmer months, making it one of the few small arts centers with a true indoor-outdoor footprint.

5. Civic and Cultural Role

HACPAC serves as a linchpin of Hackensack’s cultural identity and a symbol of its urban revival. It supports:

Local artists, by giving them a stage and gallery space.

Economic development, by attracting visitors downtown and increasing foot traffic to nearby restaurants and shops.

Community cohesion, by offering inclusive and low-cost cultural access.

Cultural representation, with programming that reflects the city’s Latin American, African American, Asian, and Middle Eastern communities.

The creation of the Hackensack Cultural Arts District in 2015 helped formalize the area around HACPAC as a designated cultural zone, encouraging further investment in art and housing developments.

6. Visitor Details

Location: 102 State Street, Hackensack, NJ 07601

Theater Capacity: ~224 seats

Accessibility: Fully ADA compliant, with elevators and inclusive restrooms

Nearby Parking: On-street and in municipal garages within walking distance

Transit Access: Walkable from Hackensack’s bus and train stations

HACPAC continues to expand its visibility through partnerships with regional festivals, school boards, and arts organizations. It is a growing destination for cultural tourism in Bergen County.

7. Conclusion

The Hackensack Cultural and Performing Arts Center is more than a performance space; it is a revitalized historic landmark, a beacon of community pride, and a platform for cultural innovation. By integrating history, performance, visual art, and public space, HACPAC has redefined what a mid-size city arts center can be. Its presence supports both the soul and the economy of Hackensack, offering residents and visitors alike a rich, year-round cultural experience.