Severance Hall
Self-Performed Project

Musical Arts Association
Mr. Gary Hanson
216-241-2396

• David M. Schwarz
  Architectural Services Inc.
  
• GSI Architects
  Mr. Peter Spittler
  216-363-0000

Description:
The Severance Hall Project included construction of a 39,000 s.f. addition at the rear of the hall, a complete renovation of the spaces on the ground floor, and the restoration of existing historic and architecturally important spaces, all amidst 79,000 s.f. over 4 stories. The addition and renovation was designed to respect the integrity of the existing building and the intent of its original architect, Walker and Weeks.

The project also included the restoration and relocation of the hall's original E. M. Skinner Norton Memorial Organ as part of a new stage shell, which was designed to complement the auditorium's original architecture while retaining the hall's unique and important acoustical properties. The dramatic stone addition took great pains to extend the original design of the neoclassical building without calling attention to itself. Astute observers are able to tell what's new, but most passers-by would hardly notice the change. This project was completed in 2000.

Severance Hall photographs © Steve Hall - Hedrich Blessing