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Rudd renovations underway
May 14, 2012

Rudd Auditorium, the venue for chapel programs, musical and theatrical performances, and community celebrations for 36 years, is undergoing a major renovation this summer.
 

	A worker grinds down a bolt which formerly held seats in place on the main floor of Rudd Auditorium, preparing for the new flooring to be installed. Visible in the balcony area is framing for the new recording studio and audio-video control area.

Tim Hostetler, Bryan’s vice president for operations, said this year’s project, phase one of a plan to update and expand the facility, began immediately after graduation on May 5 and should be completed by mid‑June.
 
Work includes removing and refurbishing existing seating, installation of “hard-surface” flooring under seating areas, installation of new carpet in walkways, installation of “runway lights” along aisles, repainting the auditorium, and construction of a new sound booth in the balcony.
 
“Other than carpet and paint, this is the first significant overhaul since the auditorium was built in 1976,” he said.
 
Budget for the project is $400,000. Vice President for Advancement Blake Hudson said the project is a priority since Rudd is the only building on campus that has not been renovated or built in the past several years. “This is the first step toward a goal of increasing seating to 1,200 and adding classroom and support space that we desperately need.”
 
To support the renovation project, click here, email or phone Mr. Hudson at 423.775.7323.
 
Mr. Hostetler said timing is critical because the building needs to be ready for use by summer conferences beginning in mid-June.