Renovations provide GPAC with upgrade

By Allyson Betot
Around the Campus Editor

January 26, 2012

The Givens Performing Arts Center was built in 1975, and except for an update to the lobby and bathrooms, everything remains as it was in 1975. This past summer marked the beginning of a renovation to GPAC.

Over the summer and into the fall semester the lobby bathrooms were renovated to include new plumbing, floors, hand dryers and other improvements.

More renovations are to be made to the rest of the lobby including expanded office and storage space for faculty and staff.

The box office will be expanded to three ticket windows as well as getting a new granite façade.

David Thaggard, the assistant executive director of GPAC, is excited for the upcoming changes.

Thaggard said the renovation will create a "more inviting, warm and friendly environment."

Not only will the GPAC staff benefit from larger offices and a more efficient work space, the audiences will benefit as well due to the accessibility of the new box office.

Currently most of the staff offices are the size of a standard walkin closet. Some of the offices have slanted ceilings and metal beams running across them, making it cramped and difficult to move around in

Steve Martin the assistant vice chancellor for facility management said GPAC is in compliance with current fire code guidelines, but might be dealing with a few fire code deficiencies

Martin said GPAC does meet the current fire code in terms of requirements, but leaving wood on a stairwell or blocking an automatic fire door or fire wall is a fire code deficiency.

He added GPAC will be more "green" once the renovations are complet

The "green" improvements range from recycled carpet to a better HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) system which will make the building more comfortable. Other improvements include safer fire walls, an upgraded electrical system and new wiring.

Furthermore, the aesthetics of GPAC will be changed with new paint and carpet throughout the lobby and auditorium.

Michael Clark, director of design and construction for facilities planning and construction, said the renovations will work around performances and events.