(WSB photos by Torin Record-Sand)
Later today, a brand-new sign will go up at 7904 35th SW, declaring the historic building to be Kenyon Hall: Community Center for the Arts.
What was originally the Olympic Heights Social Hall has been closed since midsummer but not empty – it’s been a hive of renovation work, and some of it is continuing up to the last minute before the first of four reopening events, an Industry Mixer 6-8 pm tonight.
Kenyon Hall’s Murphy Janssen let us visit for a quick preview this morning. Most of the renovation work isn’t something that you’d notice immediately upon entry unless you are familiar with Kenyon Hall in intimate detail – the newly sanded and refinished floor, for example, is the original maple flooring, only, Murphy says, but it’s now “danceable” – no more concern that your foot might catch a splinter or snag. Here’s a section of unrefinished floor contrated with the new, lighter look:
There’s a new stage, too, enabling shows with larger bands, for example. What you won’t see – but has increased peace of mind among the hall’s nonprofit operators, is the electrical upgrade, from panel to wiring. And as for the Mighty Wurlitzer pipe organ – it will continue to be a centerpiece:
If you look closely, you’ll see HVAC equipment to keep temperature and humidity under control for the sake of the organ’s longevity:
And when you return to Kenyon Hall, don’t forget to check out the restroom, even if you don’t need to:
It’s been converted into an all-gender restroom with an ADA-compliant stall, in an upgrade that has been long planned…