After three years, the construction at Ridenbaugh Hall is almost complete. The 120-year-old historical building has been under maintenance for the past few years following a renovation bill that covered Ridenbaugh Hall and the Lionel Hampton music building. The construction is in the punchline inspection phase, which means all changes that still need to be made will be addressed within the next 30 days.
The renovation of both buildings covered many issues, including new flooring, the addition of a fire sprinkler system, new walls, removal of asbestos, acoustic mediation of both the practice rooms and rehearsal hall and many other changes. In addition to modernization of the interiors, many of the changes that are being made are in regard to safety and building codes of the state of Idaho, making both buildings safer for students.
The architectural project manager for the University, Daryle Faircloth, said that it was a very challenging project to renovate these historical buildings. Ridenbaugh Hall still had the original electrical wiring from 1902, as well as original plaster walls in some of the rooms. It was also a challenge to preserve the historical status of both buildings. Most of the historical preservation that was left untouched was the exterior of the buildings, while much of the interiors were replaced and improved.
Faircloth is also very excited about the new changes that have been added to the buildings, especially the new rehearsal room in the Lionel Hampton building.
“The rehearsal room is very state of the art, the new acoustic wood panels and electronic curtain system makes it a versatile room for various groups to practice in,” Faircloth said.
Along with the full renovation of the rehearsal room in Lionel Hampton, the practice rooms in Ridenbaugh Hall have also gotten a complete makeover. Soundproofing materials have been placed inside the walls, and acoustic panels will be placed over the walls. A full acoustic mediation test for the rooms will be conducted later this spring.
Ridenbaugh Hall is the oldest building on campus. It was built in 1902 originally purposed to be a female dormitory, in honor of Mary E. Ridenbaugh, the Vice President of the Board of Regents and Regent from 1901-1907. The building was registered as a historical building in 1977 and remains that way now. Ridenbaugh Hall now stands as an art hall, where art is showcased on the first floor, and spaces for music practice are held on the second and third floors.
All construction and renovation will be completed before the end of the semester.
Ben Dewitt can be reached at [email protected]