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JONES HALL READY TO OPEN ALL DOORS, OFFICES, COURTYARD LEVEL FUNCTIONAL AFTER 367 DAY OF CLEANUP, REPAIRS
June 11, 2002 -- One year and two days after being submerged by the floodwaters of Tropical Storm Allison, the courtyard level of Jones Hall will be reopened today in civic ceremonies hosted by Mayor Lee P. Brown.
Flooding decimated the offices that housed the City's management team at Jones Hall as well as Houston Symphony and Society for the Performing Arts. In addition, much of the building's physical plant was destroyed as were the primary rehearsal hall, the symphony's music library, musician lounges and all other areas located below street level.
Jones Hall's auditorium and lobby were spared widespread damage and were re-opened September 1 in time to launch the 2001-2002 performance calendar.
"The damage at Jones Hall had to be seen to be believed," said Dawn Ullrich, director of the Convention & Entertainment Facilities Department. "Floodwaters caused the furniture to rise to ceiling height. All of the offices were a total loss.
"Mayor Brown and City Council have been unwavering in their support of Jones Hall," Ullrich added. "Restoring Jones Hall was always a top priority for Mayor Brown. I believe everyone is appreciative that neither Houston Symphony nor SPA lost performance dates as a result of the calamity."
Ullrich estimated the damage at Jones Hall at $13 million, much of which is expected to be recovered via insurance proceeds and federal disaster (FEMA) reimbursements.
