Renovations under the $1.4 million project includes security and hardware upgrades; minor access enhancements; removal of the organ, which is not functional; a new podium; and screen replacement and upgraded finishes in three second-floor offices.
In addition, a fourth office will be refurbished for use as a conference room for student activity scheduling. Student Affairs will also house staff in the second floor office space. Some plaster and roof repairs are also on the cards.
Schwab Auditorium was the first Penn State building financed by a private gift. Bethlehem Steel Corp. founder Charles M. Schwab, a University trustee for 30 years, gave $150,000 to build the classic revival auditorium.
Completed in 1903, Schwab Auditorium features a proscenium stage and a 900-seat, renaissance-style seating area. It hosts professional performances and student-focused activities. Following completion of the improvements, it will be open for events beginning the fall semester of 2013.
The auditorium was last renovated in the summer of 1999 under which new carpeting, drapery and seats were installed, while the interior walls were painted.
The renovation work is scheduled to begin in May 2013 and is expected to be completed by the end of August 2013.
