The construction phase of the Bailey Hall renovation is set to begin this week, Cornell and the New York State University Construction Fund has announced. The contractor for the project, Daniel J. Lynch Inc., will be installing a construction fence around the site, which will reduce the number of available parking spaces near the building for the duration of the project. The project is due to be completed by the first day of classes for the 2006-07 academic year.
Bailey Hall was designed and constructed as a lecture hall in 1912 to seat 2,000 spectators, but the facility has been challenged beyond its original capabilities, making its refurbishment one of the most eagerly awaited construction projects ever undertaken at Cornell.
As Bailey Hall is a protected structure under the guidelines of the State Historic Preservation Office, the changes that will occur are intended to be respectful of the design of the original building. Nevertheless, significant improvements in comfort, technical sophistication and acoustics are in store.
Upon the completion of the renovation, Bailey Hall will seat approximately 1,350 people. Individual seats will be wider and there will be more space between rows. An addition on the rear of the building will provide increased reception, dressing room and stage level storage space, as well as house the new heating, cooling and ventilation systems. Sound and lighting systems will be dramatically improved.
Additional questions about the renovation should be directed to the project manager, Jim Kazda, at 255-4461 or jtk8@cornell.edu.
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