53679242587 32A60C1499 O E1715200512503 — Renderings of the new fine arts center. (Gadsden State)

A building constructed on the Gadsden State Community College campus more than half a century ago is in store for a massive renovation. It’ll be the biggest investment made into the building since it opened.

Wallace Hall has housed the school’s fine arts department since 1967. It has gotten plenty of updates over the years but nothing close to the size of the renovation happening this year.

Keep reading to find out more about what the school is planning for the fine arts department + the history of the building.

‘Epicenter for creativity’

53680565720 A6Fc7475Be O — A look at what the new entrance to the theater side of the building will look like. (Gadsden State)

“We are making history today. We are making sure that our employees, our students and our community have the facility they deserve.”
~ Gadsden State Community College President Kathy Murphy

The $7.9 million renovation will include the academic wing as well as the fine arts center. The funds will go toward plenty of work on the interior of the building including:

Complete renovation of classroom + studio space
Renovation to computer lab
New restrooms
New interior walls, flooring + paint throughout building
New electrical, plumbing + mechanical systems

The outside of the building will also get a facelift with an updated brick façade and a new paved courtyard with lighting. The building will also get new windows and entrances to the Fine Arts Center and academic wing.

The academic wing is used for classes and training in:

Photography
Pottery
Visual arts
Chorus
Band

“It is the epicenter for creativity and celebration of the arts at Gadsden State and for the community of northeast Alabama. It’s a place where students can dream, build, play and imagine a beautiful future.”
~ Mario Gallardo, chairman of the Fine Arts Division at Gadsden State

The project is being funded by a bond approved last year by the Alabama Community College System Board of Trustees. The bond is also funding the construction of a new baseball/softball complex. The renovation is expected to be completed by the summer of 2025.

The history of Wallace Hall

53679148232 E9F9C7795E O — The current look outside Wallace Hall. (Gadsden State)

The Wallace Hall Fine Arts Center was constructed in 1967 for $1.5 million. But 30 years later, the near constant use of Wallace Hall had taken its toll and without major renovations, the Fine Arts Center would face closure.

In 1998, Gadsden State and the City of Gadsden raised over $450,000 to complete the needed repairs, which include the installation of 1,200 new theatre seats. The restrooms were gutted and replaced, and new dressing space was added.

In 2011, Wallace Hall received a $150,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Energy to transform the theatrical lighting systems into a more energy-efficient system. Five years later additional upgrades were made including repaired ceilings, new paint and an updated audio system.

Through the years, Wallace Hall has hosted a broad range of community events, like plays, concerts and graduation ceremonies for local high schools. The college said the fine arts center brings in around 40,000 visitors annually.