By CASSIE SLANA
Reporter
(WARRENSBURG, Mo., digitalBURG) — Hendricks Hall is set for a $3.2 million facelift.

Jason Drummond, vice president of university development, said his office is responsible for raising funds for the project. He said several small projects account for the $3.2 million price tag, so work will be split into phases.

Gersham Nelson, dean of the UCM College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, said renovating the hall is a practical approach to take because the building itself is fine.

“It can be renovated to be preserved because it has a historical appeal and can provide functionality that’s needed for performing in the room with great sound,” Nelson said.

Construction has already started, ensuring that the hall will be up-to-date for future productions.

Nelson said the stage curtains and lighting architecture have already been replaced. The next step involves restoration of the ceiling.

“We plan to remove the sound-absorbing ceiling we currently have, and when that is removed, it will reveal (the original ceiling architecture) which will, of course, have to be repaired,” he said.

Nelson said removal of the acoustic tiles and restoration of the ceiling will result in a space that provides significantly greater reverberations, so it becomes livelier for vocals and instrumental experiences.

“We will also be looking at ways to control the reverberation in the room, so we will be working with (an acoustical company) to make sure that the room has the appropriate acoustics to support performances,” he said.

Along with renovations to the ceiling, plans to improve the auditorium are also in progress, including arrangement of the stage and installment of audio capabilities.

Nelson said the stage is too narrow to accommodate a large ensemble, choir or orchestra, which is why the stage will be extended as part of the renovation. He said he is taking input for the renovations from design students on campus.

“The beautiful thing is that we have an interior design program, and I am going to let them loose on the facility to sort of work on the aesthetics of the room,” he said. “I think it’s going to be splendid when it’s all over.”

Along with taking time to increase monetary resources, Hendricks Hall lacked renovations mainly due to a lack of ownership.

“It used to serve theater until (the university) got the Highlander,” Nelson said. “After Highlander came on board, theater no longer needed to use Hendricks Hall, so (it) has been used by anyone and everyone, but no one has responsibility for its upkeep and maintenance, (which) has been an issue.”

Drummond said it’s time to create a space that lets faculty, staff and students showcase their talents.

“My goal is to give our students and faculty a performance space that is worthy of the talent that they bring,” he said.

Other future renovations include the Arts Gateway into Hendricks Hall, and addressing issues related to the Utt and Grinstead buildings.

“(The arts) are a major part for any university,” Nelson said. “For a university that serves so many communities, it is critical that it’s there not only for UCM students, but for the community as well. It’s probably one of the most important cultural assets that this region has.”