Once a condemned church, Universal Preservation Hall is now a premiere performance venue. Exterior work included new slate roofs on the towers; restoration of all stained glass windows and wood trim; restoration of original doors; replacement of three monumental bluestone stairs; masonry repairs; and architectural lighting of the façade.

View of new tiered balcony seating and restored stained glass windows. The original wood pews were restored and new cushions provided in the balconies and as movable seating at the lower level. The hanging draperies provided needed absorptive materials to address acoustical concerns. Slot diffusers provide conditioned air along the perimeter of the space while the original oculus locations in the ceiling serve as return air registers. Fresh air is provided through louvers in the gable of the new elevator tower addition.

A new glazed addition provides an accessible public entry and space for the box office and main office. The new elevator tower can be seen in the distance with the gabled roof. It sits behind and lower than the bell tower.

The adaptive reuse of this former church for use as a performance venue has saved a magnificent historic building while greatly expanding the region’s cultural offerings.

BEFORE PHOTO - Sloping the grade three feet in the alleyway to the east allowed for an accessible public route from the sidewalk on Washington Street. A similar driveway on the west side of the building provides a separate service entrance.

BEFORE PHOTO – View of the Great Hall looking south. The program required that the space remain flexible for various types of events but at least 700 seats were required. The south balcony was moved forward one bay so that retractable seating could be added below the balcony and new tiered seating be installed above the balcony. This also provided an accessible route from the elevator.

The granite, cast stone, and brick of the elevator tower addition in the foreground were chosen to complement the original Onondaga limestone, Ohio sandstone and brickwork of the original building.

Interior view of the new accessible lobby and box office addition. The original façade is evident on the left. Addition finishes include brick, granite, cast stone, and polished concrete flooring.