MISCELLANEOUS

Press Releases:

Humboldt Auditorium
Update #55
07/13/20

Thank You, Thank You, Thank You

         While closing the recent construction phase, the Auditorium found itself in a financial dilemma. There were bills to the contractors that had to be paid before the final disbursements of the grant could be made. Although the time span was only a few days, the amount of money was considerable. The Humboldt Community Foundation and Crystal Dunekacke, Foundation President, came to the rescue. A short-term loan was arranged which allowed the payments to be made in a timely manner. What could have become a difficult situation was resolved without incident.
         The Humboldt Volunteer Fire Department, while getting ready for the Fourth of July celebration, took time out to move a lot of surplus furnishings and equipment from the Auditorium’s Great Hall to temporary storage in the basement. Many hands make light work and the dozen or so firemen made quick work of the task.
         The Humboldt Auditorium Board and the Friends of the Humboldt Auditorium wish to express our gratitude to these first-rate Humboldt organizations.
         The Auditorium has come a long way in the quest to renovate the historic building. There is still much to be done. With the excellent level of community support, the venture will be successful.

The following article was released on June 25, 2020 in The Humboldt Standard
“Volunteer Contagion”
by Ms. Sharon Joyner, artist/art educator

The regular news feature in The Humboldt Standard titled, Volunteers in Action could be considered Volunteer Contagion. This ad-lib term might be influenced by the current COVID-19 pandemic which is permeating the present culture. Despite the ensuing difficulties, there are ways we can improve our immediate surroundings to reveal the promise of better days in the future. Such improvements are observable in Humboldt, NE. When our community volunteers produce tangible results, e.g.; The Southeast Nebraska Memorial Cancer Garden, a freshly painted stage for the town square, and the renovations to the Humboldt Auditorium, one feels motivated to make their own individual contribution. Time and talent can be just as a viable contribution as monetary gifting. Upon consideration of the big question, “What can I do to make a difference?” my answer is beautification through the arts. When the owners of Niders Grocery Store asked if I would paint the store front window, I accepted the endeavor as a community service project. It has allowed me to meet new people and the public response has been purely positive and encouraging. Hopefully the project continues beyond just one store front. It is my hope that other Humboldt businesses would like store front designs in exchange for a contribution to The Friends of the Auditorium, which is an organization to support the rehabilitation of the historic Humboldt Auditorium.
For more information about the Humboldt Auditorium/Friends of the Auditorium or to contact Ms. Joyner the artist visit www.humboldtauditorium.org (click on the Contact Ms. Joyner tab).

Humboldt Auditorium
Update #53
06/12/20

Hooray!!! The Auditorium has paid the contractor.

The payment of the last charges signals the completion of construction phase two on the Humboldt Auditorium Renovation project. All the contracted work has now been
paid. The first scope of work, completed a year and a half ago, made the building compliant with modern access and public safety requirements. Included were main floor restrooms, a refurbished lobby, access ramp and fire exits.
This recent construction effort focused on modernizing the building’s mechanical network. A new heating-ventilation-air-conditioning system was installed with the needed support of an updated electrical service and expanded natural gas capacity. The main floor is now illuminated with energy efficient lighting. A state-of-the-art fire alarm system meets the most recent fire codes. This phase was one of the costliest and technically difficult chapters in the renovation plan.
The public can now enjoy using the Auditorium on a year around basis.
There will be a short break in the renovation effort while we accumulate more funds and do further architectural planning.
When construction resumes, the Auditorium will get the cosmetic finish for the great hall. This includes an acoustic treatment on the ceiling and walls, draperies, theatrical lighting, and stage equipment. A fire sprinkler system is needed to maximize the great hall seating A bit further in the future will find work underway on the lower level to include elevator, kitchen, and meeting rooms. A small theater – known as the Recital Hall – is also planned for the downstairs area.
The building’s exterior will be beautified with a “bead blast” cleaning along with painting the windows and trim.The Humboldt Auditorium will become the finest public event venue in the region. It is intended to serve the citizens of all Southeast Nebraska and beyond.
Donations are always welcomed and appreciated.

Auditorium Construction Has Started!!!, Published May 14, 2018

The AHRS job trailer parked by the Auditorium signals the start of construction on the first phase of the Auditorium Renovation Project.

AHRS foreman Mark Derby begins removal of the existing entry ceiling. The yellow sign, from the 1950’s, directs the public to the basement as a shelter from fallout in a nuclear attack.

After years of development, months of architectural work and planning and weeks of contracts, purchasing and organization, thelong-awaited Humboldt Auditorium Project is underway!
AHRS Construction of Bern, Kansas will be the Construction Manager for this project. Preliminary interior demolition began on Friday.
The coming weeks will see backhoes, jackhammers, concrete cutters and cement trucks at work as the construction proceeds on fire exits, restrooms and an ADA compliant entry.
This first phase of the project is the beginning of the long-range plan of developing the Historic Auditorium as the finest event venue in Southeast Nebraska. The initial scope of construction represents about 20% of the overall project. Those items needed to comply with modern access and safety codes are being addressed at this time.

Most of the plumbing has been roughed-in.

AHRS will be the Construction Manager for the Humboldt Auditorium Project, Published March 22, 2018

AHRS Construction Inc. of Bern, Kansas will be the builder doing the renovation of the Historic Humboldt Auditorium. With more than forty years of construction experience, the company has completed many large and small projects in this area, the most recent being a major addition to HTRS school. AHRS will serve as the Construction Manager at Risk, an organizational system particularly suited to a project that will involve several steps or phases of work. AHRS personnel involved in this job will include Jay Herrmann, Estimator and Eric Stallbaumer, Project Manager. A job site Foreman will be named soon.The pre-construction planning has been completed and a request for bids from subcontractors issued. Actual construction will begin shortly.The beginning scope of work includes modification of the front entrance to meet access standards, main floor restrooms and emergency exits. This first step in the renovation plan represents about 20% of the completed project. The continuing phases of work will follow as financing is available.

Omaha World-Herald, Published July 20, 2015
Even though this article is a few years old, it offers a valuable insight into the Auditorium project. Click the link or cut and paste into your browser.
www.omaha.com/eedition/sunrise/articles/humboldt-reclaims-its-hub/article_589fc749-9017-5e56-9880-9ec512c06ba1.html

Construction Update, Publish March 22, 2018
AHRS Construction has sent requests for bids to 86 potential subcontractors.Advertisements for bids have beenplaced in local newspapers and on tradeweb sites. Deadline for bids, and bid opening, is March 27, 2018.

Construction Update, Published March 15, 2018
Jay Herrmann, Senior Estimator for AHRS Construction, Inc. has completed the initial planning by dividing the work according to the trade specialties. The “bid packages” have been sent to potential sub-contractors. The deadline for bid submission is March 27.

Charlie Crook, Vice Chairman of the Humboldt AuditoriumBoard, and Vance Kelley, Principal Architect and Ian Pitts, AIA Associate of the architectural firm of Treanor HL review the latest drawings.

Treanor HL is the Architect for the Restoration of the Historic Humboldt Auditorium, Published March 15, 2018
The Humboldt Auditorium Project is most fortunate to have the firm of Treanor HL as its architect. The Topeka, Kansas company specializes in the restoration of historic buildings and has a national reputation for the quality of their work. Examples of their expertise include the Kansas State House, The Dillon House mansion and The Great Overland Station rail depot, all historic Topeka landmarks.
Treanor HL began their association with the Auditorium Project about six years ago, at the beginning of the restoration venture. Their first task was to conduct a Feasibility Study to determine what would be involved to bring the fine old building back to life.
Since that time, their professional services have progressed through several steps that will result in a fully restored Humboldt Auditorium that will once again serve the citizens of Southeast Nebraska.
The first step was the Concept Design Review. A study was made of the building and its current condition. The community gave their input on the needs and desires for future uses of the building. The current building codes and requirements were applied to bring the building up to modern standards. Of particular consideration were the access requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act. A building survey showed that the structure was in extremely good condition, due to its original quality construction. The mechanical systems – electrical, plumbing, lighting and heating - are no longer useable and will have to be completely replaced. The building is on the historic registry and its original appearance must be maintained. There are some definite challenges in how tokeep historic authenticity while providing the desired and required improvements.
The Schematic Design step followed as the basic layout of the building was established. Several different floor plans were proposed for consideration. The most promising floor plan underwent many revisions before a final design was approved. The initial specifications for the mechanical systems were developed. The elements of cost of construction, usability, maintenance costs, and facility life were considerations. To serve its intended purpose, the auditorium must be a quality venue and equipped to serve a great range of public, private, and community events.
The most significant part of the architecturalplanning is known as Design Development. In this step, the dimensions and specifications are defined on a large number of drawings. This work illustrates how the many elements of the building relate to each other and allows potential problems to be addressed. The auditoriums robust original concrete and stone construction presents some distinct problems when trying to modify it. Many compromises were made to accommodate the design elements. This planning generated the initial cost estimates. By time the Design Development was finished, we had the final information on how the restoration will be achieved.
The next architectural effort was the Construction Documents.Thousands of essential details were added to the plans to generate the “blueprints” needed by the contractors to accomplish the renovation work. Precise specifications for each part and piece of the building were developed. This effort created a stack of highly detailed drawings and a thick book of specifications. The contractors and subcontractors will use this information to bid and revamp the auditorium.
Treanor HL’s responsibility to the project will continue. They participated in the selection of the Construction Manager at Risk and will assist in reviewing the bids from the subcontractors. As the actual construction continues they will observe and approve the work to assure that the Humboldt Auditorium is restored to its full potential

THE HUMBOLDT AUDITORIUM HAS A STORIED PAST AND A GREAT FUTURE
It is fondly remembered for the dances and roller skating parties, graduations and proms, private parties and scout meetings, plays and concerts, business meetings and family gatherings, weddings and church services. For half a century, the Humboldt Auditorium well served the needs of the community.

The current campaign by the City Auditorium Board and the non-profit Friends of Humboldt Auditorium is to restore this community asset to its place as the center for local and regional activities. The Auditorium will be equipped to host weddings, corporate events and business meetings, dances, family gatherings, dinners and banquets, school programs and community activities of all sorts. The arts will be supported by providing a venue for plays, recitals, concerts and local and professional entertainment.

The primary motivation for the rehabilitation of the historic Auditorium is economic. Humboldt and the surrounding area is an economically stressed area. A quality event venue will generate traffic into the community and thereby will aid the retail businesses. Keeping social and business events in town will keep dollars from flowing out of the area.

A bonus benefit of a new event center will be enhanced community pride and the image that Humboldt is a city of progress. The realization of this project will involve the interaction and involvement of many individuals, businesses, civic organizations, governmental agencies and the public at large.

The architectural planning and engineering work have been completed. The contract for the initial construction has been signed. Construction will begin on the first scope of work in March 2018 with completion of the first step expected in June. More construction will follow in phases as funding is available.

Built in 1941 as a WPA project, the Humboldt Auditorium is immediately recognizable as a typical Public Works building from that era. The exterior load bearing walls are of limestone quarried just outside town. The interior walls and floors are of pored-in-place concrete. The flat roof is supported by 6’ high wood trusses on 24” centers. The building extends 120’ North to South and 63’ East to West. The first and second floors are each 7,650 gross square feet. The balcony is 965 gross square feet.

Prior projects have provided new historically correct, thermally efficient windows and a high quality, long life membrane roof. Insulation was added beneath the new roof to bring the building to current thermal standards.

Treanor Architects report that one rarely finds an unmodified structure of this age with only minor flaws. The electrical, lighting, heating and plumbing systems are inadequate, obsolete and unusable. They must be completely replaced.There is much needed cleaning and paint work. The building’s most visible feature – the hardwood floor – will need only to be refinished. No unusual problems are anticipated with construction.

The building’s biggest problem is its inability to meet the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act. This will be remedied with extensive modification of the entrances and the installation of an elevator. Restrooms with full handicap accessibility will be provided on both levels. Added fire exits will make the building compliant with modern fire and public safety codes.

A remodeled auditorium main floor will be essentially unchanged in appearance and function.

The main floor will retain the existing hardwood floor, stage and balcony.
Special attention will be paid to lighting and acoustics.
Attractive, tasteful decoration will be a feature throughout the building.
Fixtures and finishes will be selected that will give long life and ease of maintenance.
Energy efficiency and operating costs will be prime considerations in the design.
An oversized elevator will provide access to all levels and easy movement of furnishings and equipment.
The building will meet all current codes for access, fire safety and public safety.
Restrooms will be provided on both levels, meeting all current requirements.

The auditorium lower level will feature:

A meeting or dining room with a movable dividing wall to allow a variety of seating plans.
A commercial quality kitchen that will allow on site food service for any occasion.
The recital hall, a mini-theater featuring quality appointments, lighting, acoustics and projection equipment.
The gallery lounge, a lobby area to support the recital hall and other lower floor areas.
The kitchenette, a food prep area for the small jobs.
Storage and equipment areas.
A special family/handicap restroom on the lower level will be configured to accommodate large power wheelchairs.

Note: many of the features of the building will be added over time as the financing is available.

There is an obvious need for the Auditorium. Having places for people to gather is a basic human social need. Even the most primitive societies designated an area within the village or camp for the community to assemble for social interaction.Humboldt, like so many small rural towns that suffer from declining population and a deteriorating economic base, has, in recent years, seen the loss of essential meeting facilities.

Several studies reveal that:

The Auditorium was closed because of access issues and the deterioration of the mechanical systems.
The Legion Club closed for financial reasons, thus depriving the community of some sizeable and well used meeting space.
A new fire station is being built, but without the limited meetingspace of the old facility.
Several church basements, small private halls and other facilities have been the best alternatives; however, each has limited availability and suitability for some public functions.
Normal use and security considerations restrict the availability of school facilities for public events.
The Ag Building – the city’s one remaining large public venue – serves well its intended use as a support area for the county fair. However, it is not preferable for a great many public and private functions.
No facility in the area is equipped for full professional food service – a necessary part of attracting many events.
Few existing facilities haverestrooms that meet current codes; many are marginal in their compliance with access standards.
There is no other facility in the service area that can adequately support concerts, plays, dances and other arts and social situations.

When local groups seek to hold meetings and events outside the community they often find that most hotels and restaurants have gone out of the meeting space business; those that remain have become costly as well as inconvenient. The Humboldt Auditorium Renovation Project seeks to remedy these problems with a facility that is clean, attractively decorated and properly equipped to host a great variety of public, private, social and business events.

The renovated Auditorium must be self-supporting and will necessarily charge for services. Rate schedulesare being designed to be competitive with the public facilities in other communities -- and far more affordable than the charges in most commercial establishments. This combination of a quality venue and reasonable costs will:

Provide current community events with an excellent space for activity.
Allow the development of new organizations and events that can take advantage of the improved facilities.
Bring social, business and cultural events into the community that otherwise would not be available.
Reduce the outflow of the entertainment dollar to other communities while bringing trade traffic to Humboldt.
Provide affordable entertainment and social events for the citizens of the extended community.

The current population of Humboldtis almost900.A feasibility study determined that within a ten-mile radius of social and business influence, the greater Humboldt community numbers about 4,000.The HTRS School System serves 375 students from216families.

It is intended that the Humboldt Auditorium become a regional event center serving those who live within roughly a fifty-mile radius of Humboldt, including most of Southeast Nebraska and parts ofNortheastern Kansas, Northwestern Missouri andSouthwestern Iowa. This extended service area includes more than 115,000 potential participants in the events that a reinvigorated Humboldt Auditorium will be prepared to host.

Revitalizing the Auditorium for local and regional events is clearly the city’s most economically promising possibility. Since 2010, the City Auditorium Board and the Friends of Humboldt Auditorium have worked toward the goal of having a local and regional event center. Now that work is underway, these groups hope that everyone will get behind the effort, look forward to a new and exciting opportunity for economic progress as well as civic pride.