University of Northern Iowa Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center

Overview

The GBPAC is a 115,000-SF, $23 million facility serving the University of Northern Iowa as well as the communities of Waterloo and Cedar Falls. The centerpiece is a 1620-seat Great Hall complemented by Davis Recital Hall, a 300-seat performance and large ensemble rehearsal space, and Jebe Organ Hall, a 125-seat organ recital hall and choral rehearsal room.

The Great Hall is a multi-purpose venue hosting a wide range of events including music, theatrical productions, and opera. Design elements to enable this versatility include a concert ceiling and ten towers that enable the theatre to be successfully converted into a concert hall, accommodating ensembles ranging in size from soloists to full orchestra with chorus.

The team consulted on the acoustics, sound isolation, noise control, and audio systems for the entire facility, which includes a host of support spaces such as dressing rooms, green rooms, and load-in. A series of practice rooms, classrooms, music rehearsal studios, and administrative offices for the Waterloo-Cedar Falls Symphony Orchestra (WCFSO) are also part of the Center.