Improvements made to entrance of ECU theater

Campus construction crews updated the exterior of the McGinnis Auditorium and Messick Theatre Arts Center this summer.

Michael Crane, assistant dean of the College of Fine Arts and Communication, said, “The School of Theatre and Dance has a 100-year history of pleasing audiences with dance, plays and musical theater. It’s exciting to see the facade of McGinnis Theatre begin to hint at the quality and professionalism of the productions offered within.”

R.V. Parker, assistant director of ECU’s facilities services, said the “face lift” consisted of new concrete pavers with brick inlay, brick seat walls, new landscaping and accent lighting. Interior changes included work on the doors and hardware.

“It’s a huge improvement,” Parker said. “It’s a much needed face lift for that building.”

Workers, including the masonry crew in the ECU building services department, spent several months on the project. The final piece – the landscaping work – will be completed before students return.

Ed Traynor, ECU’s mason supervisor, complimented his crew. “Those guys have really worked hard, and they’ve done a great job. This will make a very nice entrance to the theater.”

ECU architect Devon Levi designed the project. During renovations, the ECU/Loessin Summer Theater Series performed at the Turnage Theater in Washington.