The Chatter 2021

Palmer Auditorium

By Ali Kriscenski

Palmer Auditorium at Connecticut College is deeply rooted in the history of the campus, located in New London. The four-story art deco structure was originally designed by William Lamb, the principal architect for the Empire State Building. Built in 1939, its 1,300-seat hall has showcased an array of performances by students, community members, and renowned entertainers.

While the building has undergone general upgrades over the years, Connecticut College partnered with A/Z Corporation to transform the facility and the adjacent Castle Court into a revitalized center for performance and creative research. Two significant gifts to the College funded the $24 million project: a $10 million grant from the Sherman Fairchild Foundation and a $10 million gift from supporters Nancy and Preston Athey.

The major interior renovations will enhance auditorium sightlines and seating, improve rehearsal and classroom spaces, upgrade the stage performance area, and increase accessibility. The renovation will also provide new collaboration spaces, a light-filled modern teaching studio, and consolidated administration suites.

The facility will receive new HVAC, electrical, and fire alarm systems along with theatrical lighting and AV systems. In addition, the sustainably focused upgrades to all the building mechanical systems will increase energy efficiency.

The building’s exterior underwent historically informed renovations. The facade will receive an extensive restoration, including replacing severely deteriorated limestone panels, cleaning the limestone and granite cladding throughout, replacing the through-wall flashing at all existing parapets, and installing all new exterior windows and doors. Restoration work is under way to revitalize the entrances and honor the building’s historical past.