Uniondale High School, Auditorium Renovation

Uniondale, New York

Firm

John A. Grillo, Architect PC

Client

Uniondale Union Free School District

Area

22,020 sq.ft.

Total Cost

$5,430,685

Completion Date

05/2008

Uniondale Union Free School District desired to renovate its 1950s high school auditorium into a modern, state-of-the-art performance center. The district was very interested in providing students with a space that equaled their exceptional talents. The existing auditorium was poorly lighted and had numerous acoustical problems. Most of the existing building, including the auditorium, had been designed in the art-deco style.
The redesign kept some of the original aesthetic elements but added details, such as the deco-inspired ceiling dome. It incorporated acoustical properties that improved the clarity and overall acoustics now experienced by audience members.
The district was fond of the original ceiling surround and Honduras Mahogany paneling, so the new ceiling was designed with similar geometry, and the unique wood paneling was restored to keep the existing feel. New art-deco accents were added to the existing walls throughout. New high-quality technology was added in perfect concert with the bold new colors to make this a unique public performance center.