Renovations at Cincinnati's Memorial Hall are complete. The historic concert and event hall underwent an $11 million update including new flooring, expanded theater and catering spaces, technology upgrades, and the addition of a modern air conditioning system.House Manager Joshua Steele says the new HVAC is a game changer for the venue. "In its century of history we've never been able to cool this building in the summer, so that's a big deal operationally."
Much of the restoration financing came from tax credits, grants, and philanthropic gifts.
The hall was built in 1908 by Samuel Hanaford and Sons. Its updated theater is slightly smaller at 550 seats but now includes backstage space for moving props.
Steele says, "It also gets us a backstage for the first time. If folks ever wanted to cross stage, they'd have to walk downstairs and back upstairs on the other side, so that's very useful."
Situated next to Music Hall, Memorial Hall hosts smaller concerts and lectures and serves as an event space for weddings and other gatherings.
Hamilton County owns the building but it's operated by 3CDC under the direction of the Cincinnati Memorial Hall Society.
