In the heart of La Porte, the La Porte Civic Auditorium looms large. A team that includes Larson-Danielson Construction is working to keep it that way.
Given to the City of La Porte in 1930, the Civic Auditorium today offers more than 11,000 square feet of space dedicated to the entertainment and well-being of the community.
Larson-Danielson has been a part of this important structure since the beginning.
“Larson-Danielson has a connection to the original building,” said Brian Larson, president of Larson-Danielson. “In fact, my great-great-grandfather worked on it, so it's really exciting for us to be a part of the revitalization.”
Work of this magnitude takes a team. Larson-Danielson has been a key piece of this renovation work since the beginning.
“Larson-Danielson started the design of the architectural and structural work almost a year ago,” Larson said. “Our team worked alongside Schneider Electric and Emcor on how to get new material into an old, really complex structure.”
Understanding the value that the Civic Auditorium holds in NWI, efforts to modernize the almost 100-year-old building were intentional and strategic. This work includes structural enhancements such as improving the HVAC system and renovating seating.
“With the help of Larson-Danielson, we’ve added air conditioning on the main floor, we've reduced our expenses for heating, and most importantly, we've expanded our ability to comply with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements,” said Brett Binversie, director of La Porte Civic Auditorium and City Events.
Larson-Danielson’s commitment to the City of La Porte and the surrounding areas is what makes this work so special for the entire community.
“It was really neat for us to take out the original seats,” Larson said. “Ideally, we would have liked to have seen them stay forever, but we're really just impressed that they have made it this long in their original configuration.”
Preserving the original and creating a 21st-century space within the Civic has been both a challenge and a blessing.
“There are a lot of levels at the Civic Auditorium behind the scenes that make it difficult to get new equipment in,” Larson said. “However, we also have seen some really interesting things. For example, we found the original brass bolts and other items that are unique to that era.”
Beyond the structural challenges of the renovation, a key factor for Larson-Danielson and its partners is successfully carrying out all the behind-the-scenes work that makes a structure 21st-century compatible.
“One of the hardest things that we went through is how to reinforce the existing steel to put new mechanical units on top of what already exists.”
As part of the original 1929 design team, Larson-Danielson was able to use its historical knowledge and personal connection to ensure the Civic renovations went off smoothly.
“We had the original plans for the building in our archives,” Larson said. “My great-grandfather, who was in his 20s at the time, signed those same plans that I used to design the reinforcing that would be needed.”
A hub of activity for community events, renovations to the La Porte Civic Auditorium will only strengthen the influence this important landmark has on the La Porte community.
“The Civic is a tool of support,” Larson said. “It is more than a project. We’ve put our heart and soul into this. Larson-Danielson was a part of the original construction, and the historical connection makes the project that much more exciting.”
Larson-Danielson’s support of this project has been evident throughout the process and continues to be there.
“Larson-Danielson has been such a great influence and guide throughout this work,” Binversie said. “Their work has gone above and beyond throughout. With their invaluable advice, guidance, and support, the Civic will thrive for years to come.”
To learn more about Larson-Danielson Construction and the La Porte Civic Auditorium, please visit https://www.ldconstruction.com and https://laportecivicauditorium.com.
