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Kracum Performance Hall

  • Located in Southern Minnesota’s Northfield community, the state-of-the-art Kracum Performance Hall is the centerpiece of Carleton’s brand-new Music and Performance Commons at the Weitz Center for Creativity.

    Carleton College purchased the vacant schoolhouse that would become the Weitz Center for Creativity in 2005. From the earliest stages of the project, the plans for this historic building a few blocks from campus called for preserving its history and unique architectural features. At the same time, architects would create a new, innovative space that would make it far more than an arts building.

  • Over the years, the 1910 schoolhouse’s exterior on Union Street remained largely unchanged. But, on the inside, the facility was entirely reimagined to include a cinema, performance theater, classrooms, and gathering spaces for meetings, lectures, temporary exhibits, and small performances.

    Working closely with McGough Construction, HGA Architects, Acoustical and A/V designers Acoustic Distinctions, and theater consultants and lighting designers Schuler Shook, Carleton was ready to start Phase Two of this ambitious project in 2016. This time, they were building the new Music and Performance Commons from the ground up. Once complete, the $35 million investment would become the home for the majority of Carleton’s music program while also creating a modern performance space to replace the existing Concert Hall.

Located in Southern Minnesota’s Northfield community, the state-of-the-art Kracum Performance Hall is the centerpiece of Carleton’s brand-new Music and Performance Commons at the Weitz Center for Creativity.

Carleton College purchased the vacant schoolhouse that would become the Weitz Center for Creativity in 2005. From the earliest stages of the project, the plans for this historic building a few blocks from campus called for preserving its history and unique architectural features. At the same time, architects would create a new, innovative space that would make it far more than an arts building.

When our team was in search of the perfect acoustical shell solution for Belleview Performing Arts Hall, we knew we wanted something extraordinary. It was essential to find products that could provide our musicians with an enriching sound experience and our audiences with a concert they would remember forever.

That's when we stumbled upon Wenger's exceptional acoustical shell products.

From the moment we reached out to Wenger, we knew we were in capable hands. Their expertise in acoustical engineering was evident, and they tailored a solution that perfectly fit our needs.

The installation process was seamless and efficient. The team's attention to detail ensured that the acoustical shell not only looked stunning but also performed beyond our expectations. It has greatly enhanced the resonance and clarity of sound within our hall, creating an immersive experience for all who attend our performances.

What truly sets Wenger apart is their unwavering commitment to quality and innovation. They've given Belleview Performing Arts Hall a unique acoustic signature, turning an ordinary space into a sonic masterpiece. Musicians love the clarity and warmth they experience while playing, and our audiences are consistently amazed by the depth of sound we can now achieve.

The support we received from Wenger didn't end with installation. Their customer service is unparalleled, always ready to answer questions and provide maintenance as needed. It's clear that they take immense pride in their products and genuinely care about the satisfaction of their clients.

Choosing Wenger for our acoustical shell needs was one of the best decisions we've ever made. Our hall now stands as a testament to the power of exceptional acoustical engineering and design. I wholeheartedly recommend Wenger to any venue looking for an unparalleled auditory experience.   Felicity Thompson
Director of Belleview Performing Arts Hall

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