Grant Union High School in the Twin Rivers Unified School District celebrated the completion of a significant renovation of its historic auditorium. The school, in the Del Paso Heights section of Sacramento, was built in 1935, and the mission-style, cast-concrete auditorium dates to the original construction of the campus. The 667-seat auditorium is considered a central part of the school and the community’s history. HMC Architects designed and managed the renovation, with key collaboration from school and district staff, the music department, and the alumni association.

HMC Project Manager Stan Ng detailed the scope of the renovation, which includes new HVAC systems, all necessary interior ducting and wiring, ADA upgrades featuring seating and stage access via a chairlift, contemporary acoustical treatments, a complete refresh of the foyer, new paint everywhere, and careful restoration of the vintage seating.

A centerpiece of the renovation is a historic pipe organ, unique in Northern California and beyond, which produces a sound style and quality that is rare. In the past, the school’s alumni association had brought in musicians from across the country to play it. The team carefully coordinated to ensure proper environmental conditions were maintained for the organ pipes and the pathways.

Grant HS Principal Darris Hinson spoke of this project’s completion as an important moment for the school and the community. “Everything that happens for Grant Union High School happens for the Del Paso Heights community and the community at large,” he said. “It’s always just a wonderful feeling to know that there’s an investment being made in our students and in our school community.”

Hinson graduated from Grant and was a part of the school’s theater program. “To see this auditorium renovated and see all the upgrades on the campus means a lot,” he said, “because I know how it feels to walk onto this campus with that sense of pride, and this just amplifies what that feels like.”

This project is part of a series of upgrades at the school in recent years as part of the 2021 master plan. Attending the ceremony from HMC were Stan Ng, PreK-12 Practice Leader Brian Meyers, Darrel Quintos, and Kris Livingston.