CEDAR FALLS — The Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center on the campus of the University of Northern Iowa is shared by the UNI School of Music, The Waterloo-Cedar Falls Symphony Orchestra and local promoters of music, dance and theater productions. Special attention was paid to the acoustics and stagehouse requirements in the 115,000-square-foot facility.
The multipurpose building design offers classrooms, rehearsal studios, an administrative wing and three performance venues. A three-tiered, 1,600-seat auditorium with a state-of-the-art stagehouse has an intimate feel to accommodate smaller audiences. The $23 million facility houses a 300-seat recital hall and a 125-seat, cathedral-like choir space with a baroque-style, handmade tracker organ. Retractable sound-absorption materials were added so that jazz ensembles can rehearse and play there.
The building's flexibility allows the arts programs to integrate and collaborate.
Architect for the project is Hammel, Green and Abrahamson.
