Olive DeLuce Building renovations enhance learning environment

Nov. 29, 2022 | By Edidiong Idong-Bassey, communication assistant

Renovations inside the Olive DeLuce Fine Arts Building during the summer months have improved learning experiences for students and faculty at Northwest Missouri State University this fall.

Last year, the Board of Regents approved the acoustical improvements at the Fine Arts Building, and the University worked with Lee Grover Construction to complete the $1.4 million project.

The improvements addressed noise transfer and sound performance issues throughout the building while enhancing 14 instructional studios, eight classrooms and a percussion practice room.

The walls of music faculty offices were enhanced with multiple sheets of drywall, lessening the sound transfer between rooms while improving the quality of one-on-one practice sessions with students.

“Some of our Fine Arts Building classrooms received acoustic treatment that really helped,” Dr. William Richardson, a professor of music said. “In particular, the percussion studio is soundproof. These are instruments that can be loud, but the addition of an acoustic door made the soundproofing project quite effective.”

A Northwest percussion student practices in a refurbished studio in the Olive DeLuce Fine Arts Building. (Photo by Abigayle Rush/Northwest Missouri State University)

The improvements have allowed music students like Jared Carlton, a senior instrumental major who plays bassoon with Northwest’s Wind Symphony, to practice for concerts without interruption.

“The acoustical changes in the Fine Arts Building have been very helpful,” Carlton said. “Many of the classrooms are much quieter and are no longer distracted by other people practicing. In general, these changes have made it easier for me to focus because there's less carryover noise.”

Additionally, the building received ADA upgrades in its Charles Johnson Theater. Further, a renovation of the Olive DeLuce Art Gallery included new art display panels, replacement of the carpet flooring with luxury vinyl plank, replacement of the fabric walls with gypsum board and electrical modifications.

The improvements support the Department of Fine and Performing Arts’ accreditation with the National Association of Schools of Music standards and meet minimum requirements for noise isolation.