Whitworth To Update Two Auditoriums

Whitworth College plans to update two of its auditoriums, including the 39-year-old Cowles Memorial Auditorium for performing arts. About $1.5 million will be spent to update the 1,150-seat performing arts facility.

Another $150,000 will go into the 90-seat Science Auditorium.

Work on the Cowles Auditorium is expected to begin this summer. Improvements will include new seating, carpeting, stage curtains, lighting and sound equipment and an overhauled heating and cooling system.

Northwest Architectural Co. of Spokane is designing the improvements, which are being paid for through gifts from a Whitworth benefactor and an East Coast foundation. The college did not disclose the identities of the donors.

The 30-year-old Science Auditorium will get new seating, flooring and wall coverings. Also, the building will be updated to accommodate computer and other learning technologies.

ALSC Architects of Spokane is designing the changes. The project is being financed by the Johnston-Fix Foundation of Spokane and an undisclosed corporate foundation.

Both projects are expected to be finished by the opening of the next school year in September.