This 125,000-square-foot addition consists of four modules and miscellaneous remodeling work. All work was performed while school was in session. The first three modules consist of classrooms and labs for daycare, nursing (simulated hospital setting), computer sciences, choir/recital, and history. The fourth module includes a 600-seat theater, a 250-seat theater, and a 125-seat “Black Box” experimental theater. The concrete foundation was made up of over 7,000 cubic yards of concrete and included shored and stepped auditorium seating slabs. The structural steel alone for the project required over 1,000 fabrication and erection drawings. A state-of-the-art sound system valued at over $400,000 was also included. The theaters are structurally isolated from the rest of the building to aid in acoustical isolation.

This project allowed JJH the opportunity to learn about the inner workings of a theater, such as the orchestra pits with underground tunnel access, unique lighting, sound system, fly towers with gridiron platforms (tall towers in the back of the theaters which house curtains and rigging systems), and catwalk systems in the theater ceilings. In addition to providing an outstanding education for the college students, the college offers regular performances by many top name artists, which are open to the public.

“Your firm displayed the highest level of professionalism and cooperation in completing a very complex project. Your willingness to work through problems while keeping the job on schedule was a refreshing change…I look forward to the opportunity to work with you again on future college projects. “

Michael Anthony, Facilities Superintendent
College of Lake County