In 2016, The Brownville Concert Hall was very generously gifted to the Brownville Concert Series, Inc. by James H. Keene, III and Ruth Haley Keene. As a result of the change in ownership it became necessary for the building, which was originally built in 1990, to be brought up to current codes regarding Fire Standards and Americans for Disabilities Act requirements. The Concert Series enlisted the aid of BVH Architects in Omaha, the original architects involved with restoration of the building in 1990, to provide a Facilities Assessment and Estimate of Costs to accomplish this.  

Based on their input, we were able to apply for and receive a grant from the Nebraska Department of Economic Development Tourism Development Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) that just fit our needs. BVH Architects was then retained to spearhead the renovations and they have proposed a course that will preserve the historical integrity of the original historic church building which is in effect our performance hall.

Essentially, Box Office/Foyer will be modified to allow appropriate handicap access both to the front and rear of the building. An additional elevator that meets current standards will be installed in the enlarged addition that will provide wheelchair access to the entrance level, Box Office level and Lower level. There will also be installed an additional accessible restroom on the Box Office level which will be addition to those below stairs. New walkways, additional lighting and improvements to our parking will enhance the exterior.

As you can see by this illustration, all the changes are external to the hall on this level thus maintaining the wonderful acoustics and esthetics of that wonderful space.

However, current Fire codes require complete firewall separation between floors and that will entail additional changes to the Bar area on the Lower level. This does retain our lovely open staircase to the Lower level. The

Lower level will have a firewall with a wide door on the lower part of the staircase and a firewall with a wide door to the Bar area from the lower level of the Foyer. There will also be extra storage which has been needed and a coatroom.

More detailed drawings are available. We hired AHRS Construction who began work in May 2019 with a completion date of March 31, 2020.  The project is nearing completion, however, the Capital Campaign continues to raise the remaining $140,000 of the $810,000 total funding needs.

The Brownville Concert Hall is the only public music hall in Nemaha County. This renovation will allow us to continue our mission of bringing world class musical talent to an underserved, rural community with an emphasis on student and community outreach.