As the Utah State University Caine College of the Arts and Daryl Chase Fine Arts Center celebrated its 50-year anniversary in 2017, the Newel and Jean Daines Concert Hall opened its doors after undergoing an extensive renovation and addition. This project created a landmark architectural piece–a perfect blend of functionality and aesthetic beauty. The complexity and breadth of this project demanded precise teamwork. Remarkably, this was accomplished with 11 firms on the design team and 23 key subcontractors reporting to Gramoll Construction.
Overall, the project consisted of adding 15,000 SF of space on two sides of the facility and renovating 107,000 SF in the existing building. The centerpiece of the project was the renovation of Daines Concert Hall. With seating for 1,743, the space is primarily a performance facility with secondary uses for convocation, lectures and general assemblies.
Nearly every aspect of the facility was involved in the upgrades–from acoustic improvements to lighting, audiovisual and HVAC. Seismic and fire safety improvements were made along with increased ADA access to the concert hall from the lobby and from the hall to the stage. In addition to all new theater seating to benefit the audience, performers and stage crews benefitted from new catwalks and tension grid; addition of dressing room suites; and the expansion and renovation of the Morgan Theatre Scene Shop and Costume Shop. The shop provides an additional 7,900 SF of space to accommodate the design and construction of theatrical scenery and costumes.
These improvements provide significant economic benefits for the existing Morgan Theatre due to the expanded scheduling of the facility for its use as a rehearsal, performance, and teaching venue for Utah State University and the various theatrical groups that use the theater. As part of the Fine Arts Center’s renovation, the Tippetts Exhibition Hall and Gallery has also been transformed and now shines as an example of a world-class exhibition space.
