The University of Texas at Austin Hogg Memorial Auditorium Renovation

 

Owner: The University of Texas System
Project Manager: Jacobs
Architect: McKinney York Architects

 

Nestled on a busy section of the University of Texas at Austin campus, the Hogg Memorial Auditorium was the first theater to be built on the campus and has stood as a symbol of cultural and academic significance since 1933, providing the University with a stage for inspiration, education and entertainment for generations.

The passage of time and evolving needs of the community, however, necessitated a transformation for this unique space. As construction manager-at-risk, SpawGlass partnered with McKinney York Architects to help restore and preserve this delicate and significant part of the University’s history.

The exterior renovation addressed several issues, including replacement of the sub-roof, cleaning of the exterior walls, waterproofing and installing new doors and solar shade windows. The tight working space near a busy street required close coordination with campus facilities and the scheduling of exterior work during campus breaks and downtime to minimize disruptions to the surrounding area.

Inside the auditorium, the restoration process was an intricate endeavor. Interior work began with removal of the original seats, which were later replaced with new seats specially designed to match the originals. An expansive 40-foot scaffolding structure was constructed and stood for nearly a year to facilitate ceiling work. Lighting and sound elements were upgraded, enhancing the overall experience for attendees. The team commissioned a local artist to hand-carve and paint restored plaster pieces, breathing new life into the ornate carvings that adorn the stage and mezzanine areas. The addition of motors for stage curtains, a new sound booth, acoustic improvements and new backstage spaces modernized the auditorium’s theatrical capabilities, ensuring it can adapt to the ever-evolving world of performing arts. The addition of gender-neutral accessible restrooms, ramps to the theater, handrails and a wheelchair lift guarantee every visitor can now enjoy the auditorium fully.

The restoration and renovation of Hogg Memorial Auditorium was not without its share of challenges. One such challenge emerged in the form of an unexpected basement expansion, which involved cutting a hole in the slab of the building and lowering equipment to dig and expand the space to accommodate a new air handling unit. Senior Project Manager Mayur Sethi recalls feeling excitement at the prospect of this particular challenge, stating “We had to get creative. We ended up bringing in the manufacturer of the air handler to assist with devising a plan to install the unit, which had to be disassembled, transported through the basement hatch in pieces and reassembled within the restricted space.”

Throughout the unique hurdles presented by this elaborate restoration project, the team worked together with expert dedication. Senior Superintendent Joey Clepper likened the team’s effort to a challenging football game: “Everyone had a position to play and a role to fill, and we all worked as a team to strategize and put together a game plan to tackle this project.”