The Northrop Auditorium remodelling project is designed to increase the student study space on campus by about 50%. An expansion to the Recreation Center would nearly double the space available for its users.
The 81-year-old Northrop Auditorium, located in the heart of the University of Minnesota campus, is home to convocation and graduation, as well as numerous concerts, lectures and performances each year. In the planning stage since 1993, the current renovation scheme has been evolved following a forensic study of the building commissioned in 2005. The study has found that the building is in dire need of renovation with all its systems, including mechanical, electrical and plumbing, have crossed their useful life.
The interior space of the auditorium, which has not faced any major improvements since it opened in 1929, will undergo complete reconfiguration. The walls, stage, and acoustic systems will be enhanced.
Plans include a 2,800-seat auditorium, and a smaller 225-seat auditorium for smaller events, both with improved acoustics. The remaining space will be designed to accommodate student study and lounge space, classrooms and new locations for the University Honours Program and the Institute for Advanced Study.
The frequent complaints regarding the auditorium including lack of intimacy, distant sight lines, mediocre acoustics, lack of back-stage space and poor truck access will be addressed during the renovation scheme.
Work will start in January 2011, with an expected completion by September 2013.
