Mandel Hall Restoration and Renovation

For over a century, Mandel Hall has been known for its fine acoustics and has long been a treasured music venue for The University of Chicago community. In need of building infrastructure improvements and an overall revitalization, McGuire Igleski restored the grand interior of historic Mandel Hall, providing a safe, comfortable, accommodating, and acoustically improved environment within the structure.

The project added cleverly disguised, code-mandated fire sprinklers for the timber structure, by inserting sprinkler piping above the historic finishes. To address acoustic performance, existing over-stage reflectors were replaced in a new configuration to better support ensembles and energize the upper volume of the room critical to distributing sound across the space. New orchestra lighting, mounted within the reflectors, provides a higher level of illumination and uniformity to support the orchestra and improve the audience’s view of the performers without impacting the ceiling. New classically designed seating on the main floor and balcony provides greater comfort. All finishes, including replication of the historic hand stenciled walls, were based on historic evidence and were replicated to return the auditorium it its original appearance and to breathe new life into the venue.

Photos: Leslie Schwartz Photography