Spaces | Krannert Center for the Performing Arts | Colwell Playhouse Accessibility Upgrades

One of the most iconic buildings on the University of Illinois campus, the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts (KCPA) was designed and constructed prior to the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Illinois Accessibility Code. The Colwell Playhouse Theater was, therefore, deficient in accommodations for the disabled and those with physical limitations. The challenge was bringing the theater into compliance with accessibility standards while maintaining aesthetics familiar to KCPA users and not compromising acoustic qualities of the theater.

Reifsteck Wakefield Fanning completed a Conceptualization Phase indicating several possibilities for meeting the project’s objectives. The concept chosen for further development introduces a new cross aisle in the theater which increases the total amount of accessible and companion seating. Access to the cross aisle is provided in two fashions: 1) use of an existing building elevator to a lower building level. A path is then carved through existing spaces at the cross aisle elevation, and 2) the addition of an elevator in the pre-function lobby providing access to a lower playhouse which provides access to the cross-aisle elevation.

These interventions into the playhouse were considerate to the existing architectural design of Max Abramowitz. Finishes were carefully chosen for compatibility with the finishes in the original building design.