Natural State News with Context

SLIDESHOW: Inside The Newly Renovated Robinson Center In Little Rock

KUAR | By Michael Hibblen
Published November 9, 2016 at 5:25 PM CST
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Hear KUAR's interview with Gretchen Hall about the renovations to Robinson Center.

After nearly two and a half years of work, a ribbon cutting ceremony is set for Thursday at 10 a.m. for Little Rock's Robinson Center. A $70 million renovation is being completed on the auditorium which first opened in 1939.

The project was funded by a two percent tax approved by Little Rock voters in 2013.

Gretchen Hall, president and CEO of the city's Convention and Visitors Bureau, has been overseeing the renovation and spoke with KUAR's Michael Hibblen from inside the newly rebuilt venue. You can hear the interview above.

After being gutted, the auditorium now features new seats and balconies.
Michael Hibblen / KUAR News
A worker makes some touch ups to a new box seat inside Robinson Center.
Michael Hibblen / KUAR News
The grandness, as viewed from the stage, inside Robinson Center.
Michael Hibblen / KUAR News
The orchestra pit under the new stage at Robinson Center.
Michael Hibblen / KUAR News
Gretchen Hall, president and CEO of the Little Rock Convention and Visitors Bureau, pointing out features of the newly renovated auditorium.
Michael Hibblen / KUAR News
A worker cleans construction dust from the side of box seats inside Robinson Center.
Michael Hibblen / KUAR News
The new stage and seats inside Robinson Center.
Michael Hibblen / KUAR News
New balconies that were constructed inside Robinson Center.
Michael Hibblen / KUAR News
Workers mount the original dedication plaque for Robinson Center, which was named in honor of former Arkansas Governor and U.S. Senater Joseph T. Robinson
Michael Hibblen / KUAR News
The dedication plaques for Robinson Center, including the original, one for this new renovation, and workers hang one from a 1970s renovation.
Michael Hibblen / KUAR News

Copyright 2016 KUAR

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Michael Hibblen
As News Director, Michael Hibblen oversees daily news coverage for KUAR. He handles assignments for the news staff, helps develop story ideas and edits copy. Michael isresponsible for starting a news-sharing partnership between public radio stations in Arkansas in 2009 which laid the foundation for what became Arkansas Public Media. He is also a regular panelist and fill-in host on AETN's Arkansas Week, where journalists discuss issues in the news.
See stories by Michael Hibblen