Rendering of proposed makeover of San Francisco Symphony’s Davies Symphony Hall. Design by Mark Cavagnero Associates.
In Wednesday’s (8/14) San Francisco Chronicle, John King writes, “Despite its budget deficits and a well-publicized falling out with acclaimed conductor Esa-Pekka Salonen, the San Francisco Symphony is moving forward with plans for a full makeover of Davies Symphony Hall … The proposal being presented this week to city planners would expand the full-block concert hall’s ground floor and move the ceremonial entrance so that it is diagonally across from City Hall. A recital hall would be added above the building’s southeast corner … The Symphony would also [replace] a parking lot … with a new wing featuring a restaurant and event spaces. The plans are being submitted even though the Symphony faces a $12.5 million budget deficit … Leaders of the 113-year-old institution say there is no fundraising drive underway in terms of an expansion, the cost of which would likely top $100 million. ‘In the future, we will expand the range of programming and educational initiatives the Symphony can offer,’ Symphony CEO Matthew Spivey said … The priority now, he added, ‘is to stabilize the organization financially and support our artistic output before embarking on a campaign to support any future renovation projects.’ ”
