School of Music

David P. Gardner Hall was completed in 1933 as the original University of Utah student union building. In 1954 it became home to the University’s music department. By 1997 it had become apparent that the quality of the music department’s facilities had not kept pace with their growth in size and stature. FFKR Architects was retained to design a complete renovation of Gardner Hall, and a major addition, with the goal that the combined facilities would be a state of the art home for the University of Utah School of Music.

The renovation of Gardner Hall entailed a seismic upgrade to meet current codes, and replacement of all mechanical, electrical and vertical transportation systems.  The building was gutted save for the most architecturally significant elements. The grand marble staircase was refurbished, and the original student union ballroom was carefully restored and repurposed as a chamber music hall.

The 700 seat Libby Gardner Concert Hall anchors the expansion. The new building also houses large choral and instrumental rehearsal rooms, multiple smaller rehearsal rooms, and a recording studio. The original and new buildings are connected by a four-story atrium.