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| Recently, the Cultural Center has undertaken
major renovations to:
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| James
H. Whiting Auditorium |
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James H. Whiting Auditorium
The renovation of Whiting Auditorium was the first
facelift to the facility since it was built in 1967. The project addressed
four major areas and additional miscellaneous issues:
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| Life Safety Issue |
These concerns included
abatement of asbestos in public areas, reconfiguring of auditorium isles
and seating to create crossovers and improve fire egress. Also, the
lobbies were fitted with sprinkler systems and the fire alarm system was
enhanced. |
| ADA Compliance |
These updates included the addition of
barrier free box seating on all levels and in all price categories. Unisex
accessible restrooms were added at each level, and the main restrooms were
enlarged and made barrier free. Also constructed are two barrier free
dressing rooms with ADA compliant restrooms. |
| Public Assembly Space |
The Orchestra and Mezzanine level lobbies
were completely redesigned. A large grand staircase gave way to two
smaller, curved staircases that are on either side of the lobby creating a
great deal more public gathering space. |
| Lighting and Sound
Enhancement |
Major enhancements were made to the
lighting and sound system bringing the Whiting Auditorium on par with
other facilities of this type throughout the world. |
| Miscellaneous
Improvements |
Restrooms, concessions and coat checks
were improved. In the auditorium all seats were replaced and the
backstage area was given a complete facelift. Also, every surface of the
building has been repainted, and all carpets were replaced. |
| The
Bower Theatre and Longway Planetarium Expansions
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| The expansion project
created a common classroom/theater wing that connected two existing
structures, the F.A. Bower Theater and the Robert T. Longway Planetarium. |
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| Bower
Theater: |
Studio theater, dance studio, rehearsal
hall, green room, costume shop, dressing room, offices and an expanded
lobby/concession area. |
| Longway
Planetarium: |
A large classroom with capacity to divide
into three spaces, an expanded lobby/exhibition space, additional
administrative offices. |
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