LIU Tilles Center Concert Hall Interior Renovations

Tilles Center for the Performing Arts is a prime venue for productions, performances and events on Long Island and a centerpiece of the Long Island University’s performing arts complex. Besides the newly renovated Krasnoff Theater, the Center features a 2,242-seat main Concert Hall with wonderful sightlines and flexible stage configurations for many types of performances, campus functions and private events.

After successful completion of the Krasnoff Theater renovation in 2018, BBS interior design team was retained to reimagine the interiors of the LIU’s Tilles Center Concert Hall and adjacent spaces. Initially, the design team was hired to address architectural system/material deficiencies and general wear-and-tear at the LIU’s main performance venue. The work involved removing all existing seating and replacing with new, partial aisle reconfiguration at both sides of the orchestra enclosure including side concrete walls and associated lighting, floor painting beneath seats, carpet replacement in the main Hall and adjacent areas/lobby, acoustical panel replacement, and a new sidewall truss enclosure.

The Concert Hall was originally constructed with a fully “open to view” stage, inclusive of wing areas. Original ceiling reflector systems limited utilization and the ability to create separation. These were ultimately removed and fixed, and front-of-house and forestage reflectors were installed. Walls were constructed enclosing the wing areas and a proscenium arch was added. Originally white, the entire ceiling, the new walls, rear wall of the stage, and all structure were newly painted black to highlight the performance stage area.

The latter phases of the Tilles project included the proscenium wall construction and the existing stage shell replacement, stage rigging re-configuration, and the installation of a wheelchair lift.

Project Facts