The Polytechnic campus auditorium is currently being renovated, which will allow the building to remain on campus and in sync with the design of the new academic buildings.
The auditorium was built on a former air force base in 1975 but has been out of use since 1997, when the school closed the building.
This decision came because of the missing life safety systems and because the building was not up to code with Academic Disability Act Standards, said Beau Dromiack, design leader and senior associate at RSP Architects.
In order to meet the requirements for re-opening, the auditorium will have new mechanical, plumbing and electrical systems.
The auditorium is expected to meet all ADA requirements and with new fire protection, audio visual systems and telecom, the building will be steady with the ASU guidelines for design, according to a summary of the scope work.
“This auditorium served the Air Force for many years,” Dromiack said. “It now is being revived to current life safety and education standards to serve ASU and the student population for many years to come.”
The auditorium has a great location and size, which will make it an important asset in the continued growth of the Polytechnic campus, he said, which is home to more than 9,000 students.
Prior to the beginning of this project, Dromiack said architects faced a huge decision: whether to keep the building or to demolish it.
The auditorium was chosen to be renovated instead of demolished, making use of its history and wrapping it in with the rest of the newly built campus.
“The building offers a connection to the history of the campus,” Dromiack said. “It will become a very important destination for student activity, entertainment and a cutting-edge education environment.”
The auditorium is 10,000 square feet and located in the center of campus.
It will be renamed Aravaipa Auditorium and will be designed with new seating and safe access, allowing maximum views to the stage, according to the summary.
Aravaipa Auditorium’s main function will be to serve as a large lecture hall and theater. The large capacity will allow ASU to save money and combine specific large lecture classes, Dromiack said.
The summary stated that the primary mission of this project is to extend the life of the building by 30 years and create more academic space.
“Myself as well as my design team, the ASU Poly team and DPR construction have invested a great deal of time, pain and passion to make sure ASU received the very best design solution,” Dromiack said.
“We have spent a great deal of time learning about the campus and designing a master plan that would establish the framework and campus identity for the future growth of the campus.”
Renovation of the building began Jan. 23 and, according to the summary, is scheduled for completion at the end of October.
The official opening date is still being discussed by ASU management.
Reach the reporter at christine.harvey@asu.edu
