Town Hall Seats Project Moving Forward

There were smiles all around at Edmond Town Hall recently when Town Hall Manager Tom Mahoney, announced, “Things are looking very positive. I think we have taken an important step forward in our search for new seats for the Edmond Town Hall auditorium.”

In fact, several important steps have been taken. First was the selection of Seating Concepts, a California-based firm, to supply and install the seats after considering proposals from several companies.

Although samples of the proposed seats have been on display in the lobby for a number of months, it was only this month that Seating Concepts was given the final nod. Selection was based on cost, comfort and appearance.

Seating Concepts reconfigured the space in the Edmond Town Hall auditorium, allowing for additional spaces for those with disabilities as well as the slightly larger seats.

The blueprint of the new seating arrangement is now in the Fire Marshall’s office. Once he gives his approval, it will move to the Building Department. Once all the local approvals are in, a definite starting date will be arrived at.

“If all goes well,” said Mr Mahoney, “we would like to start the project in January.”

Mr Mahoney is hoping that the regular movie screenings in the auditorium will continue during the installation of the new seats, but with smaller audiences than usual. He said he may open just the auditorium’s balcony during that period.

Although most of the seats currently in the theater are in disrepair, some of them are in good condition. These will be sold to the public at a cost of $25 each.

“These might make a good souvenir for those Newtowners who have spent so many happy hours in the Town Hall,” said Gordon Williams, who has been serving as chairman for the Lions Club town hall seats program. Anyone interested in purchasing one of the old seats should call the Manager’s office at 270-4285 and reserve one.

Edmond Town Hall Board of Managers Chairman Jay Gill and board member Jane Sharpe, along with Mr Mahoney, recently visited the Newtown Lions Club to thank the club for its outstanding effort in raising funds for the project. The Lions were instrumental in coordinating the majority of donations from individuals, families and businesses during a campaign that lasted nearly 18 months.