Ceremony for Renovation of Building E Wednesday at 4 p.m.
August 13, 2019
August 13, 2019 – The Santa Fe College District Board of Trustees and President Jackson N. Sasser will hold a ceremonial groundbreaking for the renovation and remodeling of the concert hall, formerly known as E-Auditorium, Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2019, at 4 p.m. in the Building E Breezeway of SF's Northwest Campus.
Built in 1975, the building served as the center of the college's artistic and community activities until the opening of the Fine Arts Hall in 2011. It is one of the original buildings on SF's Northwest Campus, and has only had a few minor updates in its history.
In June of 2017, the District Board of Trustees recognized the need for additional performance space on campus and approved funding to renovate and remodel this facility. The scope of the project includes mechanical and electrical upgrades, acoustical improvements, new fixed seating, modifications to entry and exit doors, and upgrades to house lighting, interior finishes, and restrooms. The 236-seat auditorium will feature adjustable acoustics with a state-of-the-art control panel including presets for lighting, sound and acoustics. These presets will allow technical staff to preset a show making it easier for the performing group to be more self-reliant.
SF President Dr. Jackson Sasser says the new facility addresses the issue of the growing demand for cultural spaces at the college and in the region. "The college made a major commitment to our students and community when we opened the Fine Arts Hall, and it is now booked a year in advance," Sasser said. "To meet the increasing need for college and community, we are refurbishing the original auditorium into a modern room with superior acoustics, lighting, and presentation technology. Our college continues to use resources to advance our students and to serve our community. "
The new facility will provide students in the college's Fine Arts programs an additional educational, rehearsal and performance space. "The Arts are so important on so many levels," Fine Arts Chair Alora Haynes said. "Much like any other team, the students in our ensemble groups and other arts programs have a strong sense of pride in their work and their ties to Santa Fe College. This project will help develop an even stronger sense of belonging among our Fine Arts students."
Brame Heck Architects was selected as the architectural firm and Parrish McCall Constructors, Inc. was named the construction management firm. "This renovation will be a complete transformation, bringing the space fully into the 21 century in terms of aesthetics, functionality, and technology," said Brame Heck President Mick Richmond. "We have a great design and construction team on this project, and we're really excited to see construction begin. We have no doubt that the students and staff at Santa Fe College will be delighted to use the updated facility for many decades to come."
The project is expected to be completed in the spring of 2020.
