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Dear Friends,
As the plans for the exciting Music Hall Revitalization (scheduled to begin in May 2014) continue to progress, we are pleased to bring you the third in a series of communications. In our first communication, we discussed the elevator/escalator and chandelier resolution, and last week we explored in detail the factors that determined the seat count of the revitalized Music Hall. Please click here to review our previous messages.
Again, these emails are designed to keep you informed and up-to-date on this important project, as well as the collaborative decisions being made by the Music Hall Revitalization Company (MHRC) and Music Hall’s resident arts groups regarding the future of this beloved and historic venue.
Today I’m delving into critical infrastructure and maintenance needs that simply must be addressed in order for Music Hall to continue functioning as an active performance venue and community gathering space in the years to come. Since 1878, the building has been home to thousands of performances and drawn millions of audience members. Throughout this history, Music Hall has required care and attention, and now is a critical time. To be clear, without these renovations, the building will most certainly continue to deteriorate and this iconic structure’s future is in jeopardy.
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Deferred Maintenance of Essential Systems |
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Music Hall hasn’t undergone a major renovation in over 40 years, and the building’s mechanical systems including electrical, plumbing, fire suppression, air conditioning and heating are all operating on borrowed time – well beyond their life expectancy. This deferred maintenance comes at a significant cost in both repairs and efficiency, and the funds required to replace these essential systems are well into the millions of dollars.
Again, these are not optional upgrades. This morning in fact, a burst pipe was discovered in the public men’s room located on the first floor of the building’s South Hall. It caused quite a flood and left a foul odor and soaked carpet, which have been feverishly addressed all day by Music Hall staff and outside vendors so that this restroom can be available to patrons at tonight’s May Festival opening.
The systems must be replaced, and will ultimately lead to far more energy and cost efficient operations and a more comfortable Music Hall.
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Structural Issues |
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Under the surface of Music Hall lies structural deterioration not unexpected for a building that first opened to the public in 1878, and while this deterioration doesn’t pose an immediate hazard, engineers have determined that structural issues must be addressed for the building’s long-term viability.
The revitalization project calls for reinforcing the Balcony and Gallery trusses. These are essentially the supporting structural beams that hold up those floors. In addition, the structure under the stage and orchestra pit also require attention including the pit’s support walls and lifts. There are sagging floors throughout the building, which again are symptomatic of rotting support beams that must be and will be reinforced or replaced with steel in the revitalization.
Too many grand halls throughout the nation and around the world have fallen victim to neglect. In fact, historic theatres in our own community have fallen into disrepair, and many have been torn down – theaters like the Albee, Shubert, Capitol, Grand and Palace. This revitalization effort will preserve Music Hall for generations to come by proactively addressing underlying issues. The estimated cost of the structural work is also well into the millions of dollars. These are important repairs and improvements that concert-goers will for the most part never see, but are required, and represent an essential investment in Music Hall’s future.
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Scratching the Surface |
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While the part of Music Hall most of our audience sees is largely grand and elegant (restrooms aside), deferred maintenance has taken its toll on virtually every non-public space of the building, in addition to the building’s mechanical systems. The Enquirer highlighted the level of disrepair in a March article. In many instances, these important spaces, like dressing rooms, locker areas, rehearsal rooms, offices and set shops are quite literally crumbling away and require significant repairs and improvements for Music Hall to remain a viable performance facility.
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I hope this correspondence highlights the extensive work that needs to be done just to keep Music Hall standing in the long term, as well as to ensure its continued use as a modern concert and performance venue. As promised, we’ll have more to share about Music Hall in next week’s communication. If there is a topic that I do not cover or a question that you feel remains unanswered, please send me an email at musichall@cincinnatisymphony.org and I will do my best to respond in an upcoming email.
You are Music Hall’s most vital spokesperson. I encourage you to be an advocate, promoting the best interests of our treasured venue. This is a critical juncture in the life of the building. The need is great, but I have every confidence that with the support of the entire community, Music Hall will continue to be a great Cincinnati icon for generations to come.
Sincerely,
Trey Devey
President,
Cincinnati Symphony and Pops Orchestras,
Cincinnati May Festival
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| ©2012 The Cincinnati Symphony and Pops Orchestras. To ensure delivery to your inbox and not junk folders, please add information@cincinnatisymphony.org to your address book or safe list. |
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| The Louise Dieterle Nippert Musical Arts Fund |
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