U.VA.ÕS MUSICAL CENTERPIECE RESTORED
TO TURN-OF-THE-CENTURY ELEGANCE 

	CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va., Sept. 8 -- The newly renovated Cabell
Hall at the University of Virginia has a fresh, old look.  
	In addition to modernizing the buildingÕs electrical and
mechanical components, the renovation project has focused on
restoring the foyer and auditorium as much as possible to their
original 1898 appearance.
 	Originally known as the Academic Building, Cabell Hall is
one of three buildings designed for the south end of the Lawn by
Stanford White, an architect with the New York firm of McKim, Mead
and White that was selected by the University to restore the Rotunda
after it burned in 1895.
	Stepping into the foyer, visitors are now greeted with
striking burnt ocher walls--reflecting WhiteÕs favorite color.
Unusual by todayÕs standards, the bold color makes CabellÕs foyer Òa
very rich and very intense spatial experience,Ó according to Bayard
Whitmore, renovation project architect with Mariani & Associates,
Architects, of Washington, D.C.  The foyerÕs pilasters have been
painted with a slightly lighter version of the ocher, described by
those who see it as a Òbrick clayÓ or ÒRoman terra cotta.Ó
	To determine CabellÕs original colors, a paint consultant
took samples from the walls and ceilings of the lobby and
auditorium.  He studied the samples under a microscope and submitted
them to chemical analysis to learn what pigments were used. 
CABELL HALL RENOVATION -- Page 2
	Two Ògasoliers,Ó reflecting the combination of electric and
gas light of the era, grace CabellÕs foyer.  Reproduced from
historic photographs of the lobby, the lights were created to match
the buildingÕs originals. 
	The auditoriumÕs walls are cream-colored, and the
orchestra-seating area is highlighted with a vibrant blue. At the
rear of the expanded stage (designed purposefully by White so the
audience would face the Rotunda), a copy of RaphaelÕs ÒThe School of
AthensÓ is framed by ocher panels embraced by cream columns,
accented with blue panels.
	ÒThe color treatment is highly successful.  It calls
attention to different parts of the auditorium, and it enlivens the
space,Ó said Elizabeth Lawson, U.Va.Õs capital programs manager.
	The renovated auditorium has enhanced acoustics, made
possible through the addition of new acoustical panels and the
refurbishing of seats, now covered in a reddish mohair.  
	ÒThe changes should ensure a more even distribution of
sound,Ó said music department chair Judith Shatin. 
	 She noted that the performance space has also gained a
sophisticated new lighting system.  ÒWe will have more opportunities
to experiment with theatrical and house lighting, which should give
us more flexibility in presenting programs,Ó Shatin said.  She added
that the auditorium has new equipment for recording and playing
performance sound.
	Perhaps the most challenging component of the
19,858-square-foot renovation project was the addition of air
conditioning in the auditorium.  Plans originally called for cutting
along the roomÕs dome to install a narrow continuous slot diffuser.
However, irregularities in the ceiling, due to aging, made such
installation impossible.  Consequently, numerous rectangular
openings were cut into the ceiling and edged with simple frame
moldings.  The mechanical components of the air conditioning are
hidden behind stamped metal grills that complement the scalloped
pattern of the balconyÕs historic railings.  
	ÒThe air conditioning installation has been completed in a
manner in harmony with Cabell HallÕs historic architectural
character,Ó Whitmore said.
CABELL HALL RENOVATION -- Page 3
	The auditoriumÕs pipe organ, presented to the University in
1907 by Andrew Carnegie, is being refurbished and may be reinstalled
this semester.
	Financed through a general obligation bond, state funds,
gifts and grants, the Cabell Hall renovation also included changing
auditorium seating to accommodate people with disabilities and
creating main-floor bathrooms that meet ADA standards.
	The interior changes may come as a surprise to visitors
since little has changed on CabellÕs exterior.  However, new stone
steps, a curved sidewalk and fresh paint on the columns and pediment
sculpture enhance the exterior.
	ÒThe renovation has transformed Cabell Hall into an area
very distinct in appearance and feel from other University spaces,Ó
Lawson said.
###
September 7, 1995
	FOR MORE INFORMATION, Whitmore can be reached at (202)
462-5656; Lawson is at (804) 982-5910, and Shatin is at (804)
924-3052.  A good source of information on the history and design of
Cabell Hall is Richard Guy Wilson, Commonwealth Professor of
Architectural History, at (804) 924-6462.