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Auditorium Seating Restoration (Wood)

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Bailey Hall at Cornell University underwent a $17.3 million renovation that was completed in 2006. Originally built in 1912, the hall held 1,948 chairs that were reduced to 1,324 to meet building codes and provide more comfort. Irwin Seating Company restored the historic chairs by stripping finishes and repairing wood and upholstery, adding new ergonomic seats and aisle lights while maintaining the original design. Restoring existing chairs helps preserve architectural integrity while practicing environmental stewardship compared to full replacement.

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CASE STUDY: Bailey Hall, Cornell University ~ Ithaca, New York With its colonnaded portico and monumental stairs which lead to a main entrance with 11-foot tall doors, Bailey Hall is considered an excellent example of early 20th century classical revival architecture. The building, which is used for sympo- siums, concerts and classes, underwent a 3-year, $17.3 million renovation that was completed in 2006. Renovations to the historic building were designed by Mitchell/Giurgola Architects and feature a three-story addition to the back of the hall, a new acoustical canopy, improved restroom facilities, a handi- capped-accessible elevator and a gentler floor slope. The hall, originally built in 1912, held 1,948 chairs. The seating was reduced to 1,324 chairs to meet current building codes and to provide a more comfortable environment for patrons. Irwin Seating Company removed the chairs and shipped all the components back to the factory for complete restoration. Backs and armrests were stripped of old finish, sanded smooth, re-stained and sealed. Backs were given an upholstered pad to enhance comfort. Ninety-four years of grime and decay were stripped and sanded away from the chair standards which were then modified to support new ergonomically designed, self-rising upholstered seats which feature an attractive wood bottom. Concealed low-voltage aisle lights were added to the aisle armrests and custom number and letter plates were made to replicate the orginal tags. As Bailey Hall demonstrates, restoration of existing chairs is an excellent way to maintain the architectural design and integrity of an auditorium or theatre. Restoration is also a great way to practice environmental stew- ardship. While not every chair is a viable candidate for restoration, frequently chair components can be restored and used with new ones, as shown here. With a century of knowledge and experience backing us, Irwin Seating Company takes pride in its ability to blend today’s technology with the design and char- acter if yesterday’s chairs. The end result is a finished product that the original craftsmen could only imagine. Let us show you what we can do for you.
Dedicating ourselves to customer satisfaction, employee well-being, and profitable growth. Irwin Seating Company P.O. Box 2429 (zip 49501) 3251 Fruit Ridge Ave. NW Grand Rapids, MI 49544 Sales Office: 616-574-7400 Fax: 616-574-7411 E-mail: sales@irwinseating.com www.irwinseating.com Printed in USA © 2007 Irwin Seating Company, Grand Rapids, Michigan

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Auditorium Seating Restoration (Wood)

  • 1. Seating Restoration irwin seating company
  • 2. CASE STUDY: Bailey Hall, Cornell University ~ Ithaca, New York With its colonnaded portico and monumental stairs which lead to a main entrance with 11-foot tall doors, Bailey Hall is considered an excellent example of early 20th century classical revival architecture. The building, which is used for sympo- siums, concerts and classes, underwent a 3-year, $17.3 million renovation that was completed in 2006. Renovations to the historic building were designed by Mitchell/Giurgola Architects and feature a three-story addition to the back of the hall, a new acoustical canopy, improved restroom facilities, a handi- capped-accessible elevator and a gentler floor slope. The hall, originally built in 1912, held 1,948 chairs. The seating was reduced to 1,324 chairs to meet current building codes and to provide a more comfortable environment for patrons. Irwin Seating Company removed the chairs and shipped all the components back to the factory for complete restoration. Backs and armrests were stripped of old finish, sanded smooth, re-stained and sealed. Backs were given an upholstered pad to enhance comfort. Ninety-four years of grime and decay were stripped and sanded away from the chair standards which were then modified to support new ergonomically designed, self-rising upholstered seats which feature an attractive wood bottom. Concealed low-voltage aisle lights were added to the aisle armrests and custom number and letter plates were made to replicate the orginal tags. As Bailey Hall demonstrates, restoration of existing chairs is an excellent way to maintain the architectural design and integrity of an auditorium or theatre. Restoration is also a great way to practice environmental stew- ardship. While not every chair is a viable candidate for restoration, frequently chair components can be restored and used with new ones, as shown here. With a century of knowledge and experience backing us, Irwin Seating Company takes pride in its ability to blend today’s technology with the design and char- acter if yesterday’s chairs. The end result is a finished product that the original craftsmen could only imagine. Let us show you what we can do for you.
  • 3. Dedicating ourselves to customer satisfaction, employee well-being, and profitable growth. Irwin Seating Company P.O. Box 2429 (zip 49501) 3251 Fruit Ridge Ave. NW Grand Rapids, MI 49544 Sales Office: 616-574-7400 Fax: 616-574-7411 E-mail: sales@irwinseating.com www.irwinseating.com Printed in USA © 2007 Irwin Seating Company, Grand Rapids, Michigan