Structural Engineer: Thornton Tomasetti
MEP: R.L. Millies
Theater Consultant: Schuler Shook
Acoustical Consultant: The Talaske Group
This project retains as much of the existing 1948 gymnasium structure as possible while housing volumes shaped to provide a tuned space for the presentation of music; the proportions of the existing gymnasium were not compatible with those required to meet the acoustic needs of a recital hall, so the hall is designed to exploit the total volume of the existing room. New coupled acoustic volumes take advantage of the former side balcony space and provide appropriate resonance, reverberation, and acoustical benefits of a much larger space.
The 500-seat room can accommodate as many as 125 performers on the stage, and is used for the majority of musical events on the Western Illinois University campus. The facility also includes a green room, warm-up rooms, storage space for instruments, a control room/recording booth and a 1,400-square-foot lobby that will include a coat room, box office and restrooms. The lobby has also been designed for the exhibition of artwork and features a commissioned sculpture by Chicago artist Joyce Lopez.