New Tucker Hall will have big changes

Note: This is part two of RN's three part special report "A New Look for Tucker Hall."

When Tucker Hall’s $17.1M renovation is complete in July 2010, students and faculty can look forward to many new amenities. The FAMU Essential Theatre Program housed in Charles Winterwood Theatre, in particular, will receive a much-needed boost from the changes.

According to the construction contractor, Ajax Building Corporation:

The Charles Winterwood Theatre will receive new seating, acoustic treatment, A/V & lighting systems, catwalks, rigging, flooring including replacement of the stage floor and trap door system.

The atrium and entry lobby will be expanded by removing the second floor slab thus creating a two-story lobby and entry into the Theatre. The lobby will be a focal point of the facility with refined finishes and a glass roof system to allow more natural light into the area.

Finally, due to limitations of the existing elevator, the current elevator hoistway will be enlarged to accommodate an elevator that meets current ADA codes and Emergency Management requirements. There is also consideration underway to add a Service Elevator to the overall program.