Clowes Hall renovation features a new lobby, other upgrades

An iconic building in the Indianapolis arts community has undergone a $1.3 million upgrade.  Construction took place over the summer on Clowes Memorial Hall at the Butler University campus on the city’s westside.

Aaron Hurt, executive director of Butler Arts and Event Center, said attendees will be greeted with improvements immediately upon entering the facility.

“So, when you come in, it will be a whole new experience from the get-go, new doors around the whole building,” Hurt said. “We took down the southern middle wall, but our glass mouth is a much more open lobby. We were able to add about 12 feet of lobby space.”

Some areas of the hall will retain a nostalgic look, but changes were necessary while renovating the 60-year-old structure.

“So, patrons that have been coming to Clowes for years remember, we used to have three-sheet posters in the front lobby as you walked in for upcoming shows,” Hurt said. “Well, now when you come in, that wall is gone. But on the wall behind that, there are giant digital three-sheeters, so you can see rotating posters of upcoming events a little like attached to what it used to be as well.”

Clowes Hall will feature performances by top-name acts and tours. The next major renovation project is to change the front hall area into a plaza, including a stage to display a visual light show.