By Eric Dundon
High above the stage at Powell Hall, out of sight from audiences and musicians, St. Louis Symphony Orchestra production staff are hard at work during concerts and events, making sure artists are clearly seen and heard.
Welcome to the catwalks, a series of walkways above the auditorium ceiling that provide access for staff and crew to execute technical elements that enhance performances. This part of Powell Hall, though never seen by most people who enter the building, provides critical support in maintaining the artistic quality of SLSO performances.
As Powell Hall undergoes a transformative expansion and renovation that will preserve the civic icon and position the institution as a community music center for generations to come, the catwalks have been replaced—part of wholesale changes to the building that modernize all aspects of the 1920s-era venue.
“The top priority for the catwalks was to bring them up to modern standards,” said Lee Krueger, project director for ACME Constructors, the local firm responsible for replacing the catwalks. “The previous catwalks were designed and implemented decades ago and posed navigational challenges.”
The old catwalk system was less robust, and it was difficult to navigate around the various architectural features in the ceiling of Powell Hall, including the iconic dome, to access lighting fixtures, audio and video equipment, and miles of cable that run throughout the space and connect to the auditorium below and throughout the building.
Now, the modernized catwalks include features like step-downs, wider walkways, handrails, and kickplates that not only make the area safer but more efficient. Instead of being made of wood, the new catwalks are made from durable aluminum.
Before the first piece of material was brought to Powell Hall, however, Anvil Engineering with assistance from ACME Constructors studied the space extensively to determine the best way to erect a new structure inside the building. Among the chief considerations: how to add significant new infrastructure above a delicate ceiling that can’t support the added weight.
After scanning the existing roof structure to create a 3D model and testing solutions, Anvil Engineering decided to secure the new catwalks to the roof trusses of Powell Hall with a cable system a few stories above the auditorium ceiling. Anvil Engineering conducted many stress tests for the new plan to evaluate where to hang the new catwalk supports that wouldn’t over stress the existing structure.
“It was imperative that we understood the space before any decisions were made. With a building as old as Powell Hall, we wanted to make sure the new catwalk structure wouldn’t cause any unforeseen issues to the existing roof structure,” said Tim Caveny, Manager of Engineering for Anvil Engineering.
The new catwalks are now in place, with new aluminum stairs leading from access points on the sixth floor up above the auditorium’s ceiling.
For the SLSO, this means added confidence for those who work in this largely unseen space.
“These new catwalks are a game-changer,” said Maggie Bailey, the SLSO’s Senior Director of Production. “The safety enhancements give great confidence to staff and crew who provide technical enhancements to concerts with little room for error.”
The replacement of the catwalks is one of many safety updates in the renovation of Powell Hall. The steepness of auditorium balcony will be reduced, handrails will be added in the balcony, and the fire protection system will be expanded, among other upgrades focused on making the concert experience safe, accessible, and welcoming for all.
Eric Dundon is the SLSO’s Public Relations Director.