By Mike Greife,
June 7, 2016
WARRENSBURG, MO – Dedicated in 1923, Hendricks Hall, the historic auditorium on the
campus of the University of Central Missouri, has served the campus and community
with timeless architecture and design features that make it unique. In an effort to
preserve the historic aspects of the auditorium while creating a state-of-the-art
performance venue for UCM, Warrensburg and the surrounding area, The Hendricks Hall
Renovation Project remains a priority as fundraising gains momentum.
The fundraising campaign was initiated with the March 29, 2016, Day of Giving for
the Arts following the performance by UCM’s music students and faculty at the annual
President’s Gala in Helzberg Hall at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts in
Kansas City. Since then, UCM faculty, staff, alumni and friends of the arts at UCM
have come forward with financial support for continuing the renovation project, with
more than $250,000 pledged or raised to date through collaborative efforts of the
UCM Alumni Foundation and the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences.
“The opportunity to preserve and improve a grand facility such as Hendricks Hall,
which holds rich memories for thousands of alumni, community members and friends,
is one to be embraced,” said Gersham Nelson, dean of the UCM College of Arts, Humanities,
and Social Sciences. “The message we have received so far is overwhelmingly in support
of our effort to preserve this historic facility.”
The first stages of the renovation of Hendricks Hall have been completed. Cabling
and set lines have been replaced, new stage curtains have been hung, and a new lighting
system has been installed. The next phase of the renovation will involve restoration
of the ceiling of Hendricks Hall to its original grandeur. Projected cost for the
ceiling renovation is $800,000 to $1 million.
“At some point several decades ago, an acoustical tile ceiling was installed over
the original ceiling,” Nelson explained. “The ornate original moldings, cornices and
medallions are still there, but the acoustical tile ceiling needs to be carefully
removed and the original ceiling restored. With materials now available, that can
be accomplished while preserving, and even improving, the acoustical qualities of
the auditorium.”
The next phases of renovation include opportunities for the naming of seating areas
and Hendricks Hall facilities and spaces such as dressing rooms and the green room,
and installation of a new pipe organ. Final stages of the renovation include the extension
of the stage and acoustic proscenium, and audio and aesthetic upgrades. Total cost
of renovation is projected at $3.2 million.
Donations to The Hendricks Hall Renovation Project may be made through the UCM Alumni
Foundation. Pledges may be made by accessing the website hendrickshall.com. Individuals
may call in pledges or contributions to 660-543-4179, email a commitment to giving@ucmo.edu,
or mail a contribution to The Hendricks Hall Renovation Project, Smiser Alumni Center,
UCM, Warrensburg Mo. 64093. Updates and information also can be found on Facebook
at Hendricks Hall Renovation Project.
Dedicated in October 1923, Hendricks Hall was built with an appropriation of $150,000
from the Missouri State Legislature. Designed by architect Samuel Hitt and built by
Marxer Construction Company of Des Moines, Iowa, the then state-of-the art auditorium
featured ornate moldings and cornices surrounding windows and the large proscenium
stage. These architectural features remain a part of the auditorium today.
In 1933 the Central Missouri State Teachers College Board of Regents approved the
naming of the auditorium in honor of Eldo L. Hendricks, who served as college president
from 1915 to 1937. Throughout the generations, the facility has served as a venue
for musical and theatrical productions, along with the convocations and guest speakers
who have visited the campus. Hendricks Hall also has served the cultural and educational
needs of the surrounding community since its construction.
