Severance Hall
Cleveland
David M. Schwarz/Architectural Services

The classic home of the Cleveland Orchestra is revived through sensitive intervention

© Steve Hall/Hedrich Blessing

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Severance Hall, designed by Walker and Weeks, is a neo-classical building of Ohio sandstone and Indiana limestone, completed in 1931 as the permanent home for the Cleveland Orchestra. The interiors are an eclectic combination of Art Deco, Classicism, and Egyptian Revival. The architectural significance of the hall has been recognized by local and national preservation societies, including the Cleveland Landmarks Commission and the National Register of Historic Places.

A variety of goals were implemented to improve deficiencies of the existing facility, which were met through a building addition of 39,000 square feet and an interior restoration of 42,000 square feet. Restoration of the concert hall to its original splendor was accomplished through the addition of a new concert shell and the renovation and relocation of the existing, historic Skinner concert organ. While retaining excellent acoustics, the new concert shell increases artistic flexibility and its capacity to accommodate a wide range of events to attract a broad audience, thus earning the hall necessary additional revenue.

Providing expanded and improved back-stage, administrative, and storage facilities, as well as new communication technologies was another goal. This was achieved through the new addition at the rear of the hall, as the existing back-stage support areas were cramped and inefficient. The rear addition presents a proud new facade that is sensitive to and compatible with the existing hall as well as the adjacent Case Western Reserve University.

Lastly, an enhanced entrance experience and the improvement of access and services for audiences, patrons, and donors were accomplished through updating the facilities and creating a ceremonial entry and main foyer. Improved public circulation and a new restaurant, gift shop, and function rooms were part of this.

Formal name of building:
Severance Hall

Location:
Cleveland

Gross square footage:
40,000 s.f. in each category:
restoration, renovation, and new construction.

Total construction cost:
$23 million

Owner:
Musical Arts Association
11001 Euclid Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44106

Architect's firm:
David M. Schwarz/Architectural Services, Inc.
1707 L Street, N.W., Suite 400
Washington, DC 20036
202-862-0777
202-331-0507