Hill Auditorium Undergoes Its First Major Overhaual

Hill Auditorium Undergoes Its First Major Overhaul

Major alterations including installation of new seats, improvement of lighting, and adaptation for television broadcasting, are under way at the University’s Hill Auditorium.

The work in progress represents the first real renovation of the 36-year-old building which was erected in 1913 as a gift of the late Arthur Hill of Saginaw.

Details of the alteration program were announced today by Robert P. Briggs, University vice-president.

Installation of the new seats, which are wider and more comfortably upholstered, will reduce the over-all seating capacity of the auditorium from 4,578 to 4,199, it was noted.

Through floor alterations, the new seats will be arranged in a series of level "terraces” rather than the present steady slope from back to front.

The last few rows of balcony seats will be raised for better seeing.

The skylight of the building will be eliminated as a part of the lighting improvement program, and new lights and switchboard illumination control equipment will be put in.

Special equipment for television broadcasting of auditorium programs will be included in a general improvement of radio broadcasting facilities. Also, a new public address system and a theater-type motion picture projection screen will be installed.

The decorative scheme of the remodeled auditorium will have a maize-and-blue motive.

All alterations and installations are expected to be finished so that the building will be ready for use early in September, Vice-President Briggs said today.