Transforming Lincoln Hall

After two years of renovation, the Lincoln Hall deferred maintenance project will finish July 30, 2010, and displaced performing arts classes will return to the historic hall that fall term.

With $29.1 million in cash and bonds, the project is addressing serious “structural and safety deficiencies in Lincoln Hall,” according to Judith Minton, director of development for the School of Fine and Performing Arts.

In addition, $1.5 million of Oregon stimulus plan funds were used to purchase energy-efficient windows that will reduce the noise from outside traffic and “bring light back into the building,” according to Barbara Sestak, dean of the School of Fine and Performing Arts.

The memorable entry to the large performance hall was kept intact to “retain historical flavor,” Sestak said.
The space around the entry has been modified to create a lobby atmosphere for the 350-plus student and community art events held annually in the Portland State venue.

On either side of the performance hall, skylights will illuminate stairwells reaching from the first to the third floor.

Despite cutting away floor space for the stairwell design, the overall square footage of Lincoln Hall will increase, said Ron Blaj, project manager.

Students and faculty will notice other improvements, including increased orchestra pit size, an additional performance space, 16 practice rooms, windows in street-level classrooms and a new black box.