The hall was gutted and renovated to bring it into the 21st Century, with construction taking place over the 2023-24 academic year and into summer. The 57-seat hall measures just under 1,100 square feet, including its greenroom. 

Eastman worked with two Rochester-based organizations to complete the project: CJS Architects and Building Services Group (BSG). 

The newly completed renovation has made Hanson Hall one the most state-of-the-art locations on Eastman’s campus, leaders there said. The recital hall now allows for flexible usage, including performances and lectures, due to the installation of a smart control panel and versatile lighting options. Additionally, the hall’s stage features a restored 1906 Steinway piano. 

The hall’s makeover also included the installation of self-recording audio and video equipment for student use, including two 4k cameras, a high-quality hanging stereo microphone and next-day access to the recordings. 

“The complete renovation of Howard Hanson Recital Hall complements the recent renovations of Eastman’s other performance venues – Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre, Kilbourn Hall and the Hatch Recital Hall,” said Eastman’s prior dean, Jamal J. Rossi. “Hanson Hall is now a multi-use space that integrates highly advanced technology into an acoustically and aesthetically pleasing hall. I am grateful to the many craftspeople, technicians and Eastman colleagues who brought this project to fruition.” 

Many Eastman facilities were revamped under Rossi’s leadership including Lowry Hall, the whole of the main building, the Student Living Center and a major rebuild of Messinger Hall. The modernization of Howard Hanson Recital Hall was his final renovation project before stepping down as dean.

Article by Andrea Deckert at the Rochester Business Journal. 

(Photo credit: Kurt Brownell)