July 14, 2008
Excavation Nearing End In New Entrance Lobby
In early July 2008 The Music Hall concluded the most ambitious work of its lobby renovation, the excavation of approximately 700 cubic yards (2.8 million pounds!) of rock ledge beneath the theater to make room for a 2,600 square foot entrance lobby opening in September. Finish work on the expanded new space has begun, involving local, regional, and national designers, engineers, and artists. Said Patricia Lynch, The Music Hall’s Executive Diretor, “As we enter the final phase of work, I can say with certainty we’ll accomplish our goals – to provide patrons the single biggest upgrade in services in the Hall’s 130-year history, to become as ‘green’ as possible within the antique space, and to reflect the Beaux Arts design and history of the grand Victorian theater but with striking 21st century amenities. At last our 100,000 patrons each year will gain the space and services they deserve.”
| Portsmouth Herald Article | |
| The Union Leader Article |
January 1, 2008
Address Urgent Needs :
Fix The Lobby, Improve Restrooms!
As you join us for shows, you will quickly discover that we’ve begun work on urgent improvements to the lobby, opening Fall 2008. In the meantime, we hope you’ll pardon our appearance, as we fix what’s broken and make better spaces for all our patrons. As we work, amenities will remain largely the same. Throughout the spring and summer, as we continue to provide a full schedule of films and live performances you will notice signs of construction in the lower lobby and restrooms. We’re working deliberately and carefully so as to minimally impact you, our patrons, and performers. The plans below, drawn by TMS architects, show what’s to come…..
- new family restroom and larger men’s room
- spacious women’s room with easy accessibility – nine stalls!
- no more cold lobby, dramatically increased energy efficiency - new vestibules keep the lobby temperature stable through all seasons.
- expanded new concession and gathering space
- improved elevator with increased accessibility and ease of use
- new box office relocated to front of the building
