A building is sometimes more than its rooms and what it houses. As an anchor of the Doane College Campus and the Crete community for nearly a century, Whitcomb Conservatory sat for 30 years, undisturbed and unnoticed, until someone had the vision to see it as more than just a vacant building. With help from Kingery Construction, the building was returned to its original splendor.
Designed as a unique five-sided structure in 1906 by Dean & Dean of Chicago, the conservatory is listed on the National Historic Registry. This meant that renovations, completed in 2004, required a blending of historical accuracy with modern technology. The auditorium boasts studio-worthy acoustics and the ability to have flexible seating arrangements, accommodating up to 250 patrons. A portion of the second floor houses a control booth, thereby meeting the needs of sound and lighting.
The Conservatory underwent major structural repair during the renovation. Meticulous attention to detail was a key part to the restoration of the original craftsman elements, while keeping the exterior intact. A new mechanical system, including a heating and cooling plant, was installed. The roof was repaired and a basement was added. New wiring and an elevator were also incorporated into the historic building.
PROJECT SIZE
14,000 sq. ft
BUDGET
$2,378,000
CONTACT
Pappy Khouri | Vice President | Retired
ARCHITECT
BVH | Omaha
Doane College - Crete, NE
