Gaillard Auditorium $105M makeover
Major renovation of vital arts venue dependent on fundraising
By Adam Parker
The Gaillard Municipal Auditorium, Charleston's largest performance venue and an essential stage for local arts groups and Spoleto Festival USA, will undergo extensive renovations beginning as early as 2011 if enough money can be raised to pay the hefty price tag.
The Post and Courier
Gaillard Municipal Auditorium
The project likely would cost more than $100 million, according to proposals submitted by David M. Schwarz Architects, a firm recognized for its work on civic and cultural projects. It would be spearheaded by the city and supported by Spoleto officials and others.
Martha Rivers Ingram, chairwoman of Spoleto's board, said a $20 million matching gift already has been committed.
The auditorium sits in a tax-increment financing district, according to city Chief Financial Officer Stephen Bedard. Theoretically, the city could raise funds by selling bonds against future tax revenues generated as a result of urban improvement.
Stressing the preliminary nature of the plans, Mayor Joe Riley said the city strongly supports the project.
"It will not be easy, but this city is a prominent center for the arts now, as it was 250 years ago, and we should have a building that is on par with the fine performing arts venues that exist in America today," he said. "It's clear that this is something we should seek to do."
Riley said the city has been considering a new concert hall for a while, and concluded that the current site of the Gaillard is the best place for it.
"We were already thinking of this when we received notification of a most extraordinary gift, an anonymous gift of $20 million," he said.
Since then, Riley has met with the architects in Washington and Charleston, and he has visited the Bass Performance Hall in Fort Worth, Texas, a Schwarz Architects building that opened in 1996.
Riley said the project could have far-reaching impact.
"Economically, this has a tremendous benefit to the community. You attract visiting performing arts (groups) to the community because they would like to come to the community. But if the venue has a great reputation then that has a draw, too."
Should the renovation proceed, the auditorium will keep its name, Riley said.
The Gaillard, at 77 Calhoun St., was built in 1968 for $6 million (equivalent to about $40 million today), and sparked controversy because of its impact on the surrounding black neighborhood.
Spoleto Festival General Director Nigel Redden said upgrades to city facilities are common and typically reflect the vitality of the community, not its failings.
"The mayor is good at restoring historic and civic buildings," Redden said.
Building improvement projects conducted under Riley's watch include the Confederate Museum building at the corner of Meeting and Market streets, City Hall, the Dock Street Theatre and Memminger Auditorium, all of which has added value to the city, Redden said.
"Theaters are the kind of public buildings that do change, and change often," he said. "It's not an indication of failure. This is an affirmation that the Gaillard is important."
The auditorium has long been the subject of conversation among musicians and audiences concerned about its acoustical deficiencies, and many have complained about its drab physical appearance.
Among many options being considered for a makeover of Gaillard Municipal Auditorium is an exterior renovation, perhaps employing a design to echo the architecture of the College of Charleston's historic Randolph Hall.
David Greenberg, founder of Connecticut-based Creative Acoustics, which is consulting on the Gaillard renovation plan and has worked on other Charleston projects, said in a 2007 interview that the auditorium would benefit from a number of enhancements.
"The Gaillard was not conceived as a concert hall, but as a multiple-purpose room more aimed at popular culture and amplified events," Greenberg said. It provides "a monophonic experience" in which the sound exists "somewhere in front of (the audience). They are observing something rather than being part of something."
Ellen Dressler Moryl, the city's Cultural Affairs director, said the project could not be in better hands. Riley has long been an advocate for the arts, Redden has managed one of the most successful festivals in the world and Ingram's arts philanthropy and advocacy is notorious, Moryl said.
"This is certainly the dream team that can get the job done to the benefit of Charleston's arts community, local user groups and audiences," she said.
The plans include five main options. A preferred option appears to be an extensive reorganization of the hall, public amenities and exhibition space within the existing structure.
• Seating would be reduced from 2,700 to about 1,700.
• The fan-shape hall would be converted into a horseshoe shape, and the size and depth of the balcony reduced.
• The orchestra level would include two center aisles.
• The large balcony would be replaced with two or three smaller overhangs.
• The large stage would lose six feet, and modifications would be made to the pit and surrounding backstage areas.
• A second level would be added to the Exhibition Hall, approximately doubling its square footage to 30,000.
• The exterior could get a neo-classical makeover, echoing the College of Charleston's historic Randolph Hall.
The cost of renovations start at about $105 million and could reach $150 million, according to the plans.
Ingram said a good performance space is essential. "The hall changes the experience of the symphony." People who assumed they didn't like orchestra concerts were surprised to discover they were wrong, she said.
She said the renovation project would do more than help arts organizations. It's a project that should be done "in the name of community improvement."
College of Charleston President George Benson said he hopes the school will be part of the discussions. "This facility's close proximity to our campus presents tremendous potential for new partnerships between the city of Charleston and the college's academic programs in the performing arts," he said.
George Stevens, president and chief executive officer of the Coastal Community Foundation, an asset management nonprofit that works with charities and philanthropists, said his organization will follow the city's lead.
"No matter what the final budget, this will be the highest goal for a fundraising campaign for the arts in the history of the Lowcountry," he said.
Reach Adam Parker at aparker@postandcourier.com.
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Comments
letstakeawalk (anonymous) says...
FTFA: "Martha Rivers Ingram, chairwoman of Spoleto's board, said a $20 million matching gift already has been ommitted."
Where might I OMIT my gift? I'd like to personally OMIT several million dollars...
That said, it's a shame that the city does so little maintenance on the Gaillard. How much rust and oxidation are they going to let build up on the city seal over the north entrance before they decide to clean it?
May 27, 2009 at 1:40 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
BillytheKid (anonymous) says...
What the **** are you people smoking????? Only Joe would take a small problem and turn it into a big one. Where is this money going to come from? 105 million, it is only money.
May 27, 2009 at 1:46 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sardis12 (anonymous) says...
"Seating would be reduced from 2,700 to about 1,700"
Brilliant. Let's have fewer seats to sell for popular events, so we can take twice as long to pay for the change...
The sound has always sucked, but otherwise the Gaillard has been fine for 40 years. Put the $20 million in the bank and let it earn some interest while we figure out how to pay for things the city really needs.
May 27, 2009 at 2:47 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mb300sl (anonymous) says...
Does anyone doubt that the final cost will be over $150 million? "King Joe" at his best...spending the taxpayer's money!
May 27, 2009 at 7:02 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
dawhetsell (anonymous) says...
The economy is going down, so lets raise taxes. NO! Lets ask obama the illegal alien to print more money out of thin air to help restore the economy by spending our way out of debt.
May 27, 2009 at 7:25 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
singleroni (anonymous) says...
will this stop the flooding, or crime downtown? or spend money on the firefighters equipment?
May 27, 2009 at 8:01 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
charlestonscman (anonymous) says...
You have got to be kidding me. How much?
I think this is the same speech he gave at the time of the Dock Street renovation.
May 27, 2009 at 8:05 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
burton (anonymous) says...
It's always funny how King Joe and Summey always find money for their pet projects but can never find the money for more pressing matters like street repair, economic development in low-income neighborhoods, job initiatives, etc. Imagine how far this $150 million could go for projects such as those. Sad!
May 27, 2009 at 8:18 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mattcofc (anonymous) says...
Wow, someone must have been three Boone's Farm deep when they came up with this policy. If the CSO is in the tank and not performing there that much, no new interests are willing to perform there, and we are in a recession: lets just spend a chunk of our cash to renovate the mammoth monument to hubris and since it was built around the 70's, probably cocaine. How about we fix some roads or drainage issues, as having been a student at CofC and driving downtown, I can honestly attest that an alignment might last you three weeks driving the streets of downtown which are becoming increasingly better suited for motorcross. Honestly it would probably be cheaper to burn the cash, dance on the ashes, and then pay the city to sweep it up rather than renovate the place as we all know government projects are notorious for being under budget.
May 27, 2009 at 8:28 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
smp (anonymous) says...
I love the idea. I was looking at the building during spoleto and I was thinking it needed a make over. I love the idea.
And I LOVE JOE RILEY!!!!! I think he has wonderful vision for the city...wonderful execution. I keep voting for Joe!!!!
May 27, 2009 at 8:37 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
majorjohnson (anonymous) says...
Hey, that's only about $1000 per Charleston citizen, every man, woman and child. I'm sure they won't mind paying for that. Besides, it's well worth it, just ask the people who will use it.
It's like the pedestrian walkway on the bridge, the extra tens of millions it cost us was well worth it to the people who use it because other people paid for it. Just don't ask those who actually use it to actually pay for it, or they'll become indignant.
May 27, 2009 at 8:38 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Lazy2009 (anonymous) says...
The Gaillard Municipal Auditorium is still around? Really? I honestly did not know it was still open. We have a slew of newer venues around Charleston that never seem to attract any worthwhile acts. I think Charleston should stop building venues and focus instead on filling up the ones we already have.
May 27, 2009 at 9:07 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Localjoe (anonymous) says...
Let's see 1700 seats and a $150,000,000 price tag.... That's only (insert sarcasm) $88,000+ per seat.....For a renovation????
I am a supporter of the arts in Charleston, but I think we have better places to spend our resources.
May 27, 2009 at 9:17 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mattcofc (anonymous) says...
I agree with Lazy2009, is the local economy really that dependent upon the Gaillard, if it is then we are screwed. Why do we need the Gaillard, there is the Performing Arts/Convention Center up in North Chuck with ample parking, modern amenities. I think we just have to face the fact that the Gaillard is being relegated to an aging relic, best not to throw gobs of money in one last vestige of hope for this old tired venue to relive its hayday when money is tight.
May 27, 2009 at 9:19 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
zoomru (anonymous) says...
I get the vision of a giant egret wadding through the muck looking for prey ! .... And then after standing in total pose an for an hour....it STRIKES...! This is freakin NUTz...! No doubt that the 20 Million gift came from Coward Hund Construction...!
MY....BACKSIDE....!! Who are they kidding...the cost will be 200 million plus...! This smells worse than ratz in the walls...!!
May 27, 2009 at 9:20 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
wjhamilton3 (anonymous) says...
Wonder's Way, the pedestrian walkway on the Ravenel Bridge, cost about 3 million dollars. It is extremely popular and provides recreation and exercise to thousands of people a week. It contributes to the area's quality of life, making it more attractive to residents and people who might bring jobs, talent and investment here. Wonders way is also an important link on the East Coast Greenway, a bike and pedestrian network which will link Maine and Keywest, an urban trail network covering the East Coast of the US.
I understand that there are conservatives opposed to all public investments, who wish to spend their entire lives counting their money in their suburban backyards, however Charleston County and the City are more progressive political cultures. Both voted Blue in the last Presidential election.
Conservatives might be happier in Berkeley or Dorchester County, which are solidly conservative/Republican. Those areas have low public investment and have an impoverished cultural and civic realm which is acceptable to the people who choose to live there.
The Gaillard was a major, and controversial, investment when constructed, but it has been of immense value to the region. It enabled Spoleto, the Southastern Wildlive Exposition, Bridge Run and other major events which have become economic drivers. It has also provided a dignified space for countless proms, high school graduations, charitable events and lectures.
I understand the Republicans are opposed to Government and public investment. You have possession of nearly the entire state, but Charleston and Columbia do not belong to you. It's pretty clear demographic trends indicate they never will.
Now go thank your Governor for screwing up budgeting for our schools this summer and fighting to make sure 49 other states get our stimulus money.
May 27, 2009 at 9:22 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
bristone (anonymous) says...
I'm all for renovation of the Gaillard, but why make it look like Randolph Hall? The rendering above looks more like a judicial or governmental building rather than a cultural arts venue. We have plenty of architects in town that can do better than that!
May 27, 2009 at 9:30 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
WhyDoIBother (anonymous) says...
looks like Charleston is trying to keep up with North Charleston.....WHAT???
May 27, 2009 at 9:44 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
WhyDoIBother (anonymous) says...
Looks like Charlston is trying o keep up with North Charleston.....WHAT?!?!
May 27, 2009 at 9:45 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
majorjohnson (anonymous) says...
See there? WJHamilton uses the bridge, so he understates the additional cost and claims benefits far exceed the costs, though as always he's not willing to pay to use it. It's only cost effective if I pay for it and he gets to use it for free. Ask him to pay a fee to use it and he'll cry murder, and if you put a contribution box at the bottom it would soon have a birds nest in it.
Everything anyone wants has benefits that far exceed the costs no matter the costs, until you ask them to pay for it. Then it should be "free."
May 27, 2009 at 9:49 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
commonsence (anonymous) says...
I can't afford most of the events at the Gaillard now...when they reduce the number of seats by 1,000 and price for events continues to climb, the arts will continue to be an amenity for the wealthy...just like professional sports events, popular concerts, access to the water........so goes Charleston.
May 27, 2009 at 9:59 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Larz13 (anonymous) says...
Charleston progressive? In your dreams Hamilton. Too bad the economy is bad...not enough people seeking divorces? Gives you extra time to enjoy "wonder way".
May 27, 2009 at 10:18 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
icbmman (anonymous) says...
Pathetic that wjhamilton would continue to espouse his liberal, Democrat talking points, making sure there is a partisan point to the issue here...but expected, nonetheless. He misses the entire point to what most of the people commenting here clearly see: the renovation (i.e., "public investment") is a waste of taxpayer money because of what the renovation accomplishes, which is virtually NOTHING.
These plans actually REGRESS the Gaillard Auditorium in seating (what moron would actually consider TAKING AWAY SEATS from what is planned as a primary downtown concert venue?!?!?), thereby reducing potential revenue to pay for these renovations. Most renovations of public venues would actually involve ADDITIONAL seating to increase capacity. This brings more popular and interesting acts to the venue, which brings in more attendees, which brings in more revenue. Any idiot with half an education could figure this out.
I do think the auditorium badly needs renovations, and creating extra square footage for the Exhibition Hall is warranted. Exterior renovations are also needed to give the auditorium a dramatic, signature look. However, all this proposal does is turn the Gaillard into a glorified, souped-up version of Dock Street Theatre.
May 27, 2009 at 10:46 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
KidYendor (anonymous) says...
I agree with bristone. The design looks like a Washington, DC building. Ugly. And what's with that blurry girl in the picture? Couldn't Wade have waited to get her out of the way? I saw Lynyrd Skynyrd there in '74 with the late Ronnie Van Zant. They sounded great. The opera lovers want to hear unamplified stage whispers as they sit in the cheap seats.
May 27, 2009 at 10:49 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
PHiers (anonymous) says...
Renovation and updates are much needed and having a private donor with 20% of the funds is great.
Reducing the seating capacity of the auditorium is a terrible idea. There are already several small auditoriums such as Sottile theater. If anything an increase in seating capacity is needed not a decrease!!!!!!
Let's do it right, with the future in mind. DON'T reduce seating capacity therefore reducing the variety of uses of the auditorium.
May 27, 2009 at 11:03 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
zoomru (anonymous) says...
Hey Kidyendor.......
ADAM was in a hurry to get this story to PRESS and just drove by to take a quick picture snap...!!! His driver did not even have to stop...!!!!
May 27, 2009 at 11:21 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
MarshGate (anonymous) says...
The one improvement the Gaillard really needs is an updated elevator system. The present 4 person unit is pathetic---long lines to get on and an interminable wait after the performance to return to ground level. With my wife confined to a wheel chair, we then have to go down a steep ramp to get to the tiny wheel chair area and pushing her up the ramp after the performance taxes anyone's strength. Any major improvement requires adherence to the American Disabilities Act---and the present predated arrangement does not qualify---and yet there is no reference to that requirement in the announced plans.
May 27, 2009 at 11:25 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
zoomru (anonymous) says...
MAYOR SUMMEY ........!!!!!!
Are you going to take this....CRAP !!????
Mayor, should we NOT get the PORT finished first...??? Talk about economic IMPACT ...!!! Come on, SUMMEY ..?? We highly suggest you get with the Rev Darby and go down and have some words with Riley.....!?!?! How much more is property taxes going to GO ...UP !?! Not to mention Wind and Hail...????
MAYOR Summey......not only does BRIAN HICKS make fun of you today in his obese article; but now we have MAYOR Riley get a 20 Million gift and NOT share it with ....YOU ????? Heck .....aren't gifts supposed to be "FOR THE CHILDREN" ??? it is at Xmas..!?!? I do not know of any children that will be able to afford to buy a ticket to any "Hanna Montana Event" at this VENUE...!?!?!
Well, maybe the SPOLETO visitors will bring their KIDS..!
May 27, 2009 at 11:57 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
fowler (anonymous) says...
This is a great idea. The Gaillard really needs an update from its current 60s multipurpose facility look. And I could be wrong but I don't think there's another 1700+ seat venue downtown.
May 27, 2009 at 12:41 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Slick50 (anonymous) says...
If the city has an extra 105 million that they cannot find a good use for, fix er up.
On the other hand, if there are more pressing issues in the budget, perhaps this should be rethought after the economy gets back on its feet.
May 27, 2009 at 12:45 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
knowsfood (anonymous) says...
knock it down and start over.
May 27, 2009 at 1:19 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
justjerry (anonymous) says...
What would be the cost to build new vs rebuilding a relic? Also, why would you reduce seating capacity? The Aquarium was sold as a 10 million or so project and look at what it cost to build and subsidize. I am not so sure that this is something that will at least break even over the long haul and it might not be worth it if not.
May 27, 2009 at 1:28 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
OldSouth (anonymous) says...
I wish Federal and State governments knew we were in a recession.
May 27, 2009 at 1:35 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
icbmman (anonymous) says...
Justjerry and knowsfood, considering the money this renovation is going to cost, I think a new one is a MUCH better idea. Indeed, demolish the 60s monolith and create a new one with additional seating and exhibition capacity. It really is that simple.
May 27, 2009 at 2:11 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
justjerry (anonymous) says...
I just looked really quickly online and although it is not the same thing exactly the cost to build a new baseball statium in Portland Oregon is 55+ million for 4 times as much capacity. 100-150M just seems a little high.
May 27, 2009 at 4:34 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
justjerry (anonymous) says...
It is interesting to point out that as the progressive centers of culture Charleston and Charleston County (with the exception of Mt Pleasant) have some of the worst schools in the area. The backwards counties of Dorchester and Berkeley may not be models for the country to mimic but they do have far better educational systems. I also honestly do not believe that the teachers are the big difference either, it is the 'highly cultured' parents that are prevalent in these areas that tend to expect the government to do everything for them and continue to pass that mentality down the line.
I have no problem at all, and I believe that many of the other posters to one degree or another agree, with having a place that can hold artistic and cultural functions. Where the problem comes in is when the government (taxpayers) are expected for the most part to fully fund a losing proposition, especially when there is another facility that is right up the road. You want a coliseum? Fine, figure out how to build one that will be able to service the debt incurred and eventually pay it off.
May 27, 2009 at 5:10 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
potholes (anonymous) says...
The abandoned Sam's on River's Avenue would be a better "venue" than throwing $105 mil at this place.
You mean that all the events that were held here over the last 30+ years didn't have a portion of the proceeds budgeted for a capital improvement (not that reducing the capacity by half is logical.) Spoleto, SEWE, whatever is held here is either just because the lawn is convenient for the dogs to poop on (SEWE) or because the cultural snobs don't want to venture too far from the horse and carriages of downtown. Fix the roads, stop the downtown flooding (that will never end) and get the crackheads off the corner by the Church's Fried Chicken ("Honey, lock the car doors!")
Why do our "tax lords" always have to pay for something in the future? Exactly what we don't need. Manage and budget smartly with today's money. Gov Sanford gets it, the rest are moving us toward financial disaster.
May 27, 2009 at 6:21 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
eatmorecollards (anonymous) says...
It should be torn down and rebuilt as a parking garage. Use that 200 million to build a new one in the city limits over on Johns or James Island.
May 27, 2009 at 8:03 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
boucka (anonymous) says...
Does everything built downtown have to have 1,000 columns? Does the BAR require that?? How about a facade that has some variation to it?? Gosh, this looks boring...
and, no, we certainly don't need to reduce the number of seats in the house. I ushered the Alvin Ailey Dance performance this past Saturday: it was a sold-out house!! The place was packed, even the orchestra seats behind/beside the lighting panel. I can't imagine why you'd even consider a plan that reduces seats.
Yes, needed: more bathroom "seats," particularly for women and added capacity in the elevator.
May 27, 2009 at 11:34 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
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