Mark C. Smith Concert Hall renovations + expansion now complete

VBC — A cool expansion project was just completed at the Mark C. Smith Concert Hall. (Hville Blast)

One of Huntsville’s premier event venues has just undergone some significant improvements. This week, the Von Braun Center announced the completion of a major renovation and expansion to the Mark C. Smith Concert Hall, marking the first significant enhancement to the venue’s backstage areas since it opened in 1975.

The project, designed by Matheny Goldmon Architecture + Interiors and constructed by Turner Construction Company, modernizes and expands essential behind-the-scenes spaces that support the VBC’s world-class performances and touring productions.

Backstage renovations + expansions complete at Mark C. Smith Concert Hall

this weekend — Mark C. Smith Concert Hall hosts some fabulous events year round. (Michael Seale / Hville Blast)

The renovation, prompted by an audit of the Concert Hall five years ago, follows earlier improvements including upgrades to the steel rigging system completed in 2021 with support from the Linda Smith Family Foundation.

The project expands the Concert Hall’s backstage area from 4,300 square feet to more than 17,000 square feet, adding:

Six private dressing rooms, including a new Star Dressing Room with Green Room suite
Four chorus dressing rooms with upgraded restrooms + laundry areas
Two new Green Room suites + a dedicated production office with private meeting space
Crew resting areas + road case storage for more efficient load-ins + load-outs
Tasting room, dining room + expanded catering kitchen with basement-level storage + service elevator
Expanded loading docks, increasing from two to five, including a new overhead door for large set deliveries

Front-of-house enhancements include new flooring, wall coverings, paint and energy-efficient lighting throughout patron corridors, concourses, lobbies, lounges and mezzanine areas.

“It has always been our family’s hope that the Mark C. Smith Concert Hall would remain a world-class home for the performing arts in Huntsville. These renovations honor my late husband’s legacy and give future generations the space they need to create, collaborate and perform at the highest level.”
Linda Smith, longtime supporter of the arts in Huntsville and widow of the venue’s namesake

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