Industry Noize: Shreveport Municipal Auditorium Updates

The 84-year-old building has been updated to comply with the Americans With Disabilities Act and now includes a new entrance and wheelchair-accessible seating, according to the Shreveport Times.

Architect Mike McSwain told the paper stairs had to be removed from the entrance and ramps installed to lead to new wheelchair-accessible seating areas on either side of the floor.

“The new ramp respects the symmetry of the Grand Arena, allows everyone to use the same ‘front door,’ and adds an ADA/flexible tiered, platform seating in front of the original seats,” he explained.

Aside from using the same front door, the updates allow patrons in wheelchairs to experience something else for the first time – the same view of the room.

Shreveport Councilman Jeff Everson told the paper McSwain “went above and beyond the call of duty to give everyone who enters the auditorium the same experience, taking into the account the sight lines and views from the stage. Everyone who walks in has the same beautiful view.”

Other renovations included a new air conditioning system, electrical work, new upper-level seats, new windows and shades in the upper level, cosmetic repairs to plaster, and new paint, the Times reported.

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