Lee Kennedy Co. has been awarded an $18-million renovation and expansion project by The Boston Conservatory.

The project is the first in more than 50 years for the performing arts institute. The project will provide new and renovated performance and rehearsal spaces, as well as technical and utility upgrades. 

Lee Kennedy Co.’s team has been working closely with New York City-based Handel Architects, owner’s representative KVAssociates and the conservatory on preconstruction services for more than a year to plan the complex project.

Construction will officially begin in May with completion slated for October 2010.

"This is an exciting time in the conservatory’s history as we prepare to transform our theater building and improve the learning and performing experience for our students, faculty and audiences," said Richard Ortner, president of The Boston Conservatory. "Lee Kennedy Co. is a builder of special qualifications, and we are very proud to be working with them on this project."

New construction consists of a four-story, 32,000-square-foot facility to house dance studios and an orchestra rehearsal hall, according to Lee Kennedy & Co. The existing three-story building next door will be renovated to include a 300-seat theater with state-of-the-art audio/ visual, lighting, dimming and rigging systems and back-of-house functions.