“An architectural firm has not yet been chosen,” said Chuck Mack, MUM’s senior director of campus operations. “Costs have not been finalized, but more than $1 million has been budgeted for the project.”
Finkelman Auditorium has been MUM’s visual and performing arts hub since 1969. In 1965, Mrs. Gladys Finkelman donated funds to construct a campus auditorium in memory of her late husband Dave Finkelman. Built in 1969, the 749-seat auditorium became home to the campus Artist & Lecture Series and is used by many community groups, including the Middletown Symphony.
The building has had no major construction work done since its opening, and needs a lot of renovations to be compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Project work could include a new elevator, upgrades to restrooms in both public and performer areas, seating replacement and adjustment, new floor and wall finishes throughout the renovation areas. The roof will also be replaced.
If the project is approved, renovations are tentatively scheduled to be completed by September 2011.
Contact this reporter at (513) 696-4542 or mrossiter@coxohio.com.
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