Penn State’s Eisenhower Auditorium to close temporarily for $6.8 million in renovations
Eisenhower Auditorium on Penn State’s campus, which hosts a variety of different performing arts shows throughout the year, will be closed from June through November as the building undergoes $6.8 million in renovations.
According to a Penn State News release, the Center for Performing Arts — which has offices in Eisenhower — will hold some of its fall events and performances at other campus theaters and auditoriums. Eisenhower is slated to resume scheduled operations and performances in December.
CPA will release its 2020-2021 season schedule in May. This season’s schedule included the national tours of “Book of Mormon,” Jersey Boys” and “A Bronx Tale.” “The Color Purple” will premiere in Happy Valley April 15.
“I am grateful that Penn State is continuing to make important and necessary investments in Eisenhower Auditorium,” said George Trudeau, director of the CPA, in the release. “As the region’s premier proscenium performance venue, Eisenhower is a singularly unique and valuable resource for Penn State and central Pennsylvania.”
Trudeau will retire in July after 16 years as the center’s director.
Work at Eisenhower will include mechanical system upgrades, emergency lighting modernization, improved accessibility for performers to the dressing area, a full roof replacement and the conversion of an abandoned cooling tower and enclosure to a new “performer’s entry,” said the release. Crews will also work to mitigate asbestos in the 46-year-old building.
The upcoming renovations are part of several phases of improvement work recommended by a 2015 Facility Evaluation and Improvements Feasibility Study. Previous work included stage floor repairs and fire curtain and rigging replacement.
Funds for the this phase of the project come from reserves for maintenance backlog, said Penn State Office of the Physical Plant spokesperson Trey Miller. The total number of future phases required for capital improvement has not yet been determined, said the release.
“The importance of keeping this performance space in top condition is a primary goal of this phased renovation,” said Bill Sitzabee, associate vice president for OPP, in the release. “We know the significant and central role that Eisenhower Auditorium plays in the cultural life of our university community, and we understand the need for expediency. However, more importantly, the need to preserve and upgrade this entertainment and gathering space is also a reality that we must address so that future long-term use of this facility is possible.”
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