Fact sheet on the Hill Auditorium renovation

Fact Sheet on the Hill Auditorium Renovation

Prepared June 2001 Duration: Renovations are scheduled to begin
Funding: The project is expected to cost $33.5 million. Of that amount, $2.8 million is from donor contributions to date and the remainder is being contributed from University sources.

Phased Plan: The current project will represent Phase One of the renovation. Additional improvements, including renovation of the stage, audience seating and backstage facilities, will be undertaken in Phase Two. The University will seek additional sources of funding before beginning the second phase.

Scope: Planned renovations in Phase One include but are not limited to the following:

• Site improvements around the facility, including rework of brick paving and stone retaining wall areas; restoration of south entrance plaza; rework of the west barrier-free ramp and loading dock; and landscaping and “period” post luminaries site lighting.

• Exterior repairs include brick cleaning and some tuck pointing; door and window replacement or refurbishing; partial roofing and bird screen replacement; repair of terracotta and limestone exterior wall components; cleaning and restoration of existing metal grilles, lettering and windows; and removal of vegetation.

• Auditorium renovation/restoration work includes demolition of lower-level spaces to ready the area for future improvements; creation of additional restrooms; improving barrier-free circulation by providing elevators and an addition with ramps; replacement of main-level seating to increase patron comfort; barrier-free seating and stage access; replacement of theatrical performance and audio-visual systems; replacement of mechanical and electrical infrastructure systems for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning; addition of fire suppression and fire alarm systems; replacement of power, lighting and communications systems; and attention to code issues.

• Additions to the auditorium consist of backstage lower-level basement and tunnel space for mechanical and electrical equipment with distribution components; new utility tunnel below the plaza and relocation of main utilities along the south wall; new circulation ramps; and a new loading dock.

Auditorium Capacity: As a result of barrier-free seating arrangements and other alterations to increase audience comfort, the total number of seats in the house will be reduced from 4,200 to 3,650. The number of toilets will increase from 24 to 41.

Categories of Restoration: The existing structure is, according to architects, “generally in good condition for its age, use and environment.” In addition to crucial infrastructure improvements, the treatments recommended by the architects respond in many ways to changes in how the building is used today, as compared to how it was used when constructed in 1913. These treatments fall into three general categories:

1. Restoration Zone: The components and spaces within this zone have the highest degree of architectural and historical significance. The areas that are prime candidates for a comprehensive and accurate restoration approach include the south plaza, the stage, the house, the outer lobby and foyer, the monumental stairs, and the stair lobbies.

2. Rehabilitation Zone: The components and spaces designated for rehabilitation, while having important spatial and architectural characteristics, have less historical and architectural significance and are subject to greater change. They include the west and east entrances and lobbies, the side exit stairs, and the gallery lobby.

3. New Construction Zone: Areas that have little or no historical significance and are therefore least sensitive to change include restrooms, basement level spaces, loading dock and service areas, and backstage areas.

For more information on the renovations, visit the Web at http://www.umich.edu/~urel/hill.

http://www.umich.edu/~urel/hill