In the world of music, few places are as iconic as the recording studios where timeless hits are made. One such space, Crossway Studio, holds a special place in the annals of music history as the studio where the legendary Whitney Houston recorded some of her most famous tracks. Recently, Cinergy Construction undertook the ambitious task of rebuilding and modernizing Crossway Studio, preserving its legacy while preparing it for a new generation of artists. The project required redoing the design and construction of the entire studio itself and was featured on the June 2024 cover of Recording Magazine.
A Place of Musical History
Crossway Studio is synonymous with Whitney Houston’s success. It was here that she recorded songs that have become part of the cultural fabric, including unforgettable tracks from albums like The Bodyguard soundtrack. For decades, it served as a creative haven for Houston and many other artists, cementing its place in music history as a hub of creativity, soul, and sound. However, over the years, the studio aged, and while its history remained intact, it was in need of modernization to meet the demands of today’s music industry.
The Challenge of Rebuilding a Legacy
Rebuilding Crossway Studio wasn’t just about elevating sound enhancement, updating equipment, or upgrading soundproofing; it was about maintaining the integrity of a place deeply rooted in music history. Cinergy, a company with a reputation for expertly balancing modern innovation with design and heritage preservation, was entrusted with this monumental task.
Cinergy faced a unique challenge: how do you modernize a studio while ensuring that its historical character remains untouched? The answer lay in combining technically precise construction practices with cutting-edge technology and classic design elements. Every decision made during the rebuild was aimed at enhancing the studio’s functionality while paying homage to its past.
Modern Innovation Meets Classic Design
Key features of the rebuild were a completely new isolation shell and construction of the interior and finishes, all according to the specifications of Russ Berger Design Group, who designed the original studio and was brought back to design the restoration.
Cinergy Construction ensured that the studio would meet the technical demands of today’s high-quality digital sound production. This included upgrading the acoustics and electrical systems and integrating the latest in audio engineering technology to create a recording studio of unsurpassed performance.
But modernizing the studio didn’t mean stripping away its essence. Cinergy meticulously preserved the character of the original studio by restoring key architectural elements that defined the space. From the control room to the recording booth, the design team ensured that the studio maintained the warmth and intimacy that made it such a favorite for artists like Whitney Houston.
A New Beginning for Crossway Studio
The rebirth of Crossway Studio marks a new chapter not only for the space itself but also for the artists who will walk through its doors. The rebuild ensures that future generations can create music in the same space where Whitney Houston, one of the greatest voices of all time, once filled the space with her heartbreakingly beautiful voice. Cinergy Construction has created a bridge between the past and the future, crafting a studio that honors its heritage while embracing the technological advancements of today’s music industry.
As Crossway Studio reopens, it stands as a testament to the power of preserving history while embracing the future. Thanks to Cinergy’s meticulous attention to detail and commitment to excellence, this legendary space is ready to inspire a new wave of musical innovation. Whether it’s through the soulful ballads of future icons or chart-topping anthems, Crossway Studio is prepared to continue its legacy as a musical sanctuary for generations to come.
Features of the Crossway Studio Renovation & Rebuild
- Acoustic shell
- Acoustic treatments
- Millwork custom created to match the remaining original millwork
- All custom millwork created in our shop in LA and shipped to the site
- The space had been converted from a studio into a playroom & back into a studio; mechanical and electrical equipment that had been taken out or put behind walls had to be recovered and put back into place.
- Design details were reproduced based on historic photos
- Speaker installation
- Stretched fabric
- Soffit lighting
Partners We Worked With
