FLORENCE – Ongoing renovations at Norton Auditorium on the University of North Alabama campus are complete; the process included upgrades to seating, acoustics, including the addition of an orchestra shell, the stage floor, rigging equipment and capacity, as well as painting in the auditorium and lobby and new carpeting throughout.
“The process to upgrade Norton has been taking place for some time now, about a year,” said Michael Gautney, Assistant Vice President for Facilities Administration and Planning. “We experienced several delays to completion, mostly as a result of the ongoing pandemic and our ability to get things to campus, including the orchestra shell. It has been installed now, and the end result should last for some time.”
The cost of the project was around $2 million, and this large-scale renovation is the first to take place inside the auditorium itself since it was constructed in 1969. The restrooms and the lobby were updated in 2015; in 2019, the lighting was updated.
Norton is the location for commencement as well as other large-scale University events, including concerts, theatre, freshmen orientation session, and other student activities.
“Norton Auditorium has been transformed by the recent renovation work,” said Dr. Sara Lynn
Baird, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. “We now have a beautiful space with excellent acoustics that we are excited to share with our audiences who attend our wide variety of activities in the ‘new’ Norton Auditorium.”
While the renovation progressed, campus events were able to take place in Norton, including, most recently, Step Sing. Safety protocols are in effect, however, so seating capacity is limited to accommodate social distancing.
“Because of the University’s ongoing attention to safety as a result of the Covid pandemic, Norton has become an important venue for campus events, including commencement,” said Dr. Ross Alexander, Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost. “The renovation has created a space worthy of that event for our graduates and their families, and it is well-suited to hosting the number of ceremonies we have.”
Media Release/Ms. Michelle R. Eubanks
Director
University Communications & Marketing
UNA
