Wilson High School Auditorium

Seismic Retrofit Leads to Modernized Theater

Originally built in 1925, the Wilson High School auditorium needed extensive seismic safety, accessibility and fire safety upgrades. In addition to meeting these immediate needs, LPA designers were able to modernize the functional aspects of the 1,600-seat theater by restoring the main house to address acoustics, lighting, interior finishes and theater seating.

The renovation transformed an aging building into a 21st
century venue, with a state-of-the-art control room, improved catwalk and lighting functions, a redesigned rehearsal room, band practice space and a new office for the stage manager. Renovations to the historic main lobby allowed for additional restrooms, a ticketing and concessions area, and new elevators for the front and back-of-house spaces.

A historical evaluation process identified the significance of the building’s original architectural features early on, allowing the building’s Spanish revival style to be incorporated throughout the design.