Abbott Concert Hall to undergo $1.297 million renovation
 

October 24, 2017-- The State of Wisconsin Building Commission has given approval for the University of Wisconsin-River Falls to renovate Abbott Concert Hall in the Kleinpell Fine Arts building.

Abbott Concert Hall, built in 1973, is showing significant wear. The renovation will replace aging and obsolete building services, augment the electrical and light system, replace all fixed seating, construct a new orchestra pit platform and cover and improve acoustics in the theatre.

All catwalks will receive new fire-retardant and acoustically treated plywood flooring and the control room window and flooring will be replaced to improve soundproofing, among other improvements.

At present, the fixed seating in the facility shows structural and folding mechanism failures in addition to heavy wear on the fabric. Replacement parts are no longer available. Likewise, the lighting control system has failed components for which replacement parts are no longer available.

"We are grateful for the support of the State Building Commission for this exciting renovation project at UW-River Falls,” said Chancellor Dean Van Galen. “Abbott Concert Hall is an important venue which supports academic programs and student experiences and it enhances the cultural vitality of the entire St. Croix Valley.”

Funds for the project were initially requested from the state in 2014, with the first funding approved a year later. Last week’s approval means the work can now begin.

Bids for the project are expected to be let in June 2018 with construction starting in August 2018. The renovation is scheduled to be complete by January 2019.

NOTE: This release was edited March 1, 2018, to remove reference to fiberglass panels being used in the project. They were included in the initial project description, but not included in the final bid. We regret the error.