Corporate, Foundation and Government Relations, Hiram Collegewww.hiram.edu

THE RESTORATION OF

HAYDENA PHOTO JOURNEY

THE RESTORATIONOF HAYDEN

The Warren ShermanHayden Auditorium, Before

Located in historic Bates Hall, Hayden Auditorium was built in

1935 and last renovated in 1975. Hayden is the largest venue on

the College campus and for that reason, it is the venue of choice

for performing artists and nationally recognized guests who

attract visitors beyond the campus. Hiram offers these arts and

cultural events at no cost to the community.

Photo: The picture to the left shows Hayden before any renovation work started. The Auditorium is dark, and the original red seating was in need of replacement.

THE RESTORATIONOF HAYDEN

04.2015Renovation

begins

A New Look Underway

Thanks to strong support from Cuyhaoga Arts and Culture

and Senator John Eklund (R-18), the Hayden Auditorium

renovation project was funded in House Bill 497. These

funds secured work on rebuilding the stage, which began

in April 2015. The old stage was demolished and a new

stage floor took its place. In July, workers removed the old

seating. New gutters and roof repairs took place during this

same time period.

Metis Construction, LLC, a woman-owned business in Kent,

Ohio, completed all of these renovations.

THE RESTORATIONOF HAYDEN

04.2015Renovation

Begins

08.2015New Seat

Installation

Centerpiece of the Renovation

In August, the shipment of 511 seats arrived from Wenger

Corporation, a leader in performing arts venue seating,

fixtures, and equipment, and workers positioned the

supports and assembled the seats for installation. All main

floor seats were installed the week of August 17, and for the

first time ever, a section of Hayden Auditorium seats were ADA

compliant, offering rollaway seating for wheelchair access.

THE RESTORATIONOF HAYDEN

04.2015Renovation

Begins

08.2015New Seat

Installation

08.2015New Paint

Brightening the Interior

Sodexo, the College’s facilities management vendor,

painted the auditorium walls and balcony facade. Hiram

College completed this work with institutional funds.

THE RESTORATIONOF HAYDEN

04.2015Renovation

Begins

08.2015New Seat

Installation

08.2015New Paint

Community Celebration

On September 2, 2015, President Varlotta welcomed the

Hiram College community and project supporters to celebrate

the renovations in Hayden.

Sen. John Eklund (R-18), who championed the project by

promoting it among state legislators, spoke to the importance

of venues like Hayden for small communities. President Varlotta

talked about the progress thus far, and thanked Sen. Eklund for

his support.

Photos (clockwise from top): President Lori Varlotta; (left to right) Christine Kohls, Executive Director of Corporate, Foundation and Government Relations, Julie Brandle, President of Metis Construction, LLC, Sen. John Eklund, President Varlotta; Sen. John Eklund and President Varlotta.

09.2015Public

Celebration

THE RESTORATIONOF HAYDEN

04.2015Renovation

Begins

08.2015New Seat

Installation

08.2015New Paint

Finishing Touches

Following the celebration, Metis Construction installed

the balcony seating and painted the stage black.

09.2015Public

Celebration

09.2015Work

Completed

THE RESTORATIONOF HAYDEN

04.2015Renovation

Begins

08.2015New Seat

Installation

08.2015New Paint

Hayden Shines on Opening Night with the Cleveland Jazz Orchestra

On September 18, 2015, Hiram College opened Hayden

Auditorium for its first evening concert event, featur-

ing big band music with vocalist Evelyn Wright. Musicians

played the classics of Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie

Holiday, and Frank Sinatra, as well as contemporary

compositions by Herbie Hancock, Paul Ferguson and

Howie Smith.

Over 300 people enjoyed the concert, many remarking on

the beauty of the renovations.

09.2015Public

Celebration

09.2015Work

Completed

09.2015Jazz

Concert

THE RESTORATIONOF HAYDEN

04.2015Renovation

Begins

08.2015New Seat

Installation

08.2015New Paint

Thank You!

The Hiram College community is grateful for the support of

Karen Gahl-Mills, Cuyahoga Arts and Culture, Brian Durdle,

BakerHostetler, Sen. John Eklund (R-18), Members of the

130th Ohio General Assembly, and the Ohio Facilities Con-

struction Commission.

09.2015Public

Celebration

09.2015Work

Completed

09.2015Jazz

Concert

2015-2016FuturePlans