Omaha Technical High School
1923 - 1984
Historical Preservation
Omaha Auditoriums
The Omaha community offers a limited number of auditoriums, from the new convention center to university performing
arts centers. The new convention center is geared toward larger groups, with seating available for over 12,000 individuals.
The smaller auditoriums hold between 200 and 475 individuals.
While there are options for very large groups, or small groups, the options of auditoriums that hold 1,500 - 2,000
individuals are very limited in the Omaha area. The renovated Tech High Auditorium will accommodate nearly 2,000
individuals and will be available at an affordable rate for use by community, business and non-profit groups, as
well as national and international performances and meetings.
The Tech High Auditorium is centrally located near Creighton University and Saint Joseph's Hospital, with easy interstate
access. The auditorium has a free, accessible parking lot which is well lit, landscaped and monitored by external security
cameras. The auditorium has street access for performers and presenters to bring equipment from the street to the stage.
The finished auditorium will offer a beautiful and convenient facility with state-of-the-art acoustics and sound system.
Numerous organizations and businesses have expressed interest in utilizing the renovated facility, due to lack of other
viable options for their performing arts and educational needs.
Historical Preservation
Technical High School has a rich history in the Omaha area. It was founded in an era just 56 years after Nebraska was
admitted to the Union and the city of Omaha became part of the United States of America.
The auditorium and lobby are the only two remaining parts of the school that still retain the original design of the landmark
building. The building's structural integrity and previously restored exterior fabric were pivotal factors leading the Omaha
School Board to reinvest in the long-term future of the building. The facility was renovated in 1984 to become the Omaha
Public School Teacher and Administrative Center (TAC). Renovation of the 400,000 square-foot building included a new
roof, new windows, 200,000 square feet of new space and for new elevators, as well as numerous other improvements.
Later, the main entrance to the auditorium was also completely restored to its original condition. The beautiful, marble
lobby has gold-leafed plaster ceiling and bronze chandeliers.
The auditorium interior is a classical design enhanced with intricate detailing. The present seating capacity is for 2,200
persons, with 1,600 seats on the main floor and 600 seats in the balcony. The slope of the auditorium floor provides
superior sight lines from all seats. The natural acoustical performance of the auditorium remains exceptional. A complete
restoration will bring it back to it's original splendor.
Performing Arts
People that live and work in the Omaha Metropolitan area have a strong interest in performing arts - interest in live theatre,
classical music and dance is higher than the national average. A new performing arts facility impact the quality of life in the
region by providing more arts education and entertainment oportunities that will add enrichment to the lifestyles of the
Omaha community members.
Youth and Education
The renovated facility will aid community development through its educational orientation. The auditorium will be available
for use by local elementary, middle and high schools. It will be used for theatre productions, orchestral performaces,
graduations and more. In addition to youth, local universities will also use the facility.
Preserving a Legend
The Technical High School Auditorium Restoration Committee seeks funding to renew and revitalize the auditorium back
to it's original condition. In addition to making the facility handicap accessible and updating it to meet fire codes, the
renovation will also include updates and repairs to electrical wiring, lighting, wood stage, curtains and carpet. The
chandeliers, decorative molded plaster and artwork will be carefully cleaned, repaired and, if needed, painted. The stage
pit, dressing rooms, green room, restrooms and storage rooms will all be renovated.
Other improvements to further enhance usage, function and flexibility of the auditorium include the purchase and the
installation of:
Hydraulic lift for orchestra pit
Computer controlled lighting equipment
Motorized system to lower chandeliers
Additional sound equipment.
This page was last modified on Wednesday, February 15, 2006; at 1:28:04 AM
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