Cordogan, Clark and Associates, with Theater Consultants Jerit / Boys and Schuler Shook, designed the Addison Center for the Arts to fulfill several roles. It will provide a venue for the performing and visual arts in its theater and gallery. An arts education program will be implemented, offering instruction in a wide range of artistic disciplines. The design creates a dignified public image and a meaningful sense of place for its suburban site through the shaping of external as well as internal spaces. The building enfronts a civic court designed to accommodate a variety of community activities such as receptions, dedications, and community fairs.

Internally, a central lobby separates Center functions and staff work area. This arrangement affords the staff visual control and immediate access to the various service areas. Flexible arrangements of programmed functions are made possible, with all internal spaces afforded a variety of natural lighting. This facility's public meeting spaces and 500-seat Theater may be separately accessed from the municipal building proper; or they may be secured to permit independent access.

A central gallery / exhibition area opens toward Lake Street and is overlooked by a two-story space within the building that serves as an assembly and social area for small gatherings, as well as a central organizing element for the building. Upper level studios will provide instructional and fine arts classrooms and overlook the exhibition / assembly areas below.