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CITY COMPLETES CONSTRUCTION OF MUSIC LIBRARY AT JONES HALL
Final Renovation Projects In Wake Of Tropical Storm Allison Nearly Done
January 10, 2003 -- Culminating one of the final restoration projects at Jones Hall in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Allison, the City of Houston has opened a new music library at the downtown performance hall.
Workers completed primary construction in late December with only a secondary stairwell remaining to be built. The new music library is located on the mezzanine level adjacent to the stage. The previous library was located in the basement of Jones Hall and was destroyed by flooding in 2001.
Dawn Ullrich, director of the Convention & Entertainment Facilities Department, said the City spent approximately $500,000 to build the 1,250-square foot library in the new location.
"The devastation of Houston Symphony's archived music was one of the great losses suffered during Allison," Ullrich said. "By moving the library to an upper level, we are ensuring this catastrophe will not be repeated."
Houston Symphony, which leases the library from the City, began occupying the space earlier this month. An open house at the library is tentatively scheduled for February 24.
Workers are presently building an instrument storage area in a new, higher location and relocating the dressing rooms to a lower level. As has been the case with all projects throughout the extensive renovation process, workers are proceeding in a manner that does not interfere with rehearsals, performances and other public activities within the building, Ullrich said.
"With the anticipated completion of these projects later this month, renovations at Jones Hall related to Tropical Storm Allison will amount to about $12.7 million," Ullrich added.
