Tracz Family Band Hall Updates
Construction has finally begun on our new home!! Check back often for updates on construction on the Tracz Family Band Hall!
Click here for a great article on the construction progress on the TFBH from the K-State Alumni Association!
9/15/22 - Walls are coming down, cleaning out interior.
9/20/22 - Installing reinforcement posts.
10/7/22 - Sandblasting the interior.
10/21/22 - Knocking down walls, laying pipe and hoses, and a new fence wrap for the construction site!
10/24/22 - We completed the remaining demolition work by removing the last of the existing concrete floor slabs. We also are nearly done with demolition to create the new field access portals. This involved removal concrete walls, slabs, and excavation. And, with the release of permit status, the mechanical and electrical contractors were able to begin underslab plumbing and electrical rough-in. These contractors really did a nice job and hit the ground at full stride. Because of that, their underslab rough-in work completed in less days that originally planned.
11/4/22 - Completed two concrete slab-on-grade sections, and the third and final section will be completed this week. Plumbing underslab rough-in work was completed ahead of the concrete work. Electrical underslab rough-in work also completed ahead of the concrete slabs. Demolition work wrapped up for the field access openings. Structural framing support material has been started ahead of the water shed metal ceiling structure. Every existing concrete step is slightly different dimension and deflects at different rates so aligning this system takes great care and time. Mechanical contractors are currently working on support hangers for some of the heavy ductwork and piping throughout the new buidling.
11/14/22 - More work on the concrete slabs is finally finished! Currently working on finishing the last bit of concrete for the walkway to Memorial Field. Also tying up the last bit of metal supports for the secondary ceiling as well! The "Director's Office" is coming along nicely (with windows for the first time!!)!
11/18/22 - Construction crews from Hutton completed the remaining floors slabs including ramps and stairs which create the elevation changes necessary to tie into the surrounding site conditions. It’s nice to walk on firm ground instead of dirt! Structural framing support material continued ahead of the water shed metal ceiling structure. These provide support for an internal metal ceiling system. They also provide elevation control for all future ceiling systems. Mechanical contractors are currently working on support hangers for some of the heavy ductwork and piping. The insulation contractor mobilized this week and started spraying foam insulation directly to the concrete risers. This is sprayed to different thicknesses depending on what part of the building they are applying. Hutton’s crews also mobilized last week to start installation of metal ceiling systems. This is an internal metal roof system that is installed to provide protection in case the green roof system overhead fails. This is certainly a unique application and approach that is somewhat hard to describe even to our installers because they are typically working on the top side of these materials, not from the bottom.
12/19/22 - The insulation contractor completed their spray insulation work on the concrete stairs and riser sections. Hutton’s crews continued installation of metal ceiling systems. This is an internal metal roof system that is installed to provide protection in case the green roof system overhead fails. This work will continue for 3-4 more weeks. Logan (Site Superintendent) is meticulously coordinating locations for all the lighting, acoustical, ductwork, and other overhead systems so there will be proper supports in place and in the exact right locations. This is important to make sure they are in the correct position and also to work through conflicts months before we complete final installation. Plumbing roughin work is started in the future restroom areas Wall framing is started for future wall locations.
Work will continue on the metal ceiling system. Mechanical and electrical hanger supports will continue after the metal panel installation. These are hangers for lighter support loads that don’t need to penetrate through the metal panel system. Metal framing for walls will continue. A mezzanine structure will be installed over the front office area. This will support mechanical equipment scheduled to arrive in early January.
12/23/22:
Hutton’s crews continued installation of metal ceiling systems. This is an internal metal roof system that is installed to provide protection in case the green roof system overhead fails. This work will continue for 2 more weeks. Plumbing roughin work continues in the future restroom areas. The chilled water service main expansion loops were adjusted to slope with the roof structure. Wall framing continued for future wall locations. Mezzanine steel framing started this week. HVAC ductwork started in areas that won’t conflict with future acoustical treatments. Hutton and Architect One coordinated final location of the Instrument Storage cabinetry. Space is tight in these areas and getting all the ceiling, soffit, electrical, and fire protection items positioned is meticulous work.
Next week’s plans:
Work will continue on the metal ceiling system. Mechanical and electrical hanger supports will continue after the metal panel installation. These are hangers for lighter support loads that don’t need to penetrate through the metal panel system. Metal framing for walls will continue. The mezzanine structure will be completed ahead of mechanical units scheduled to arrive in early January. Fire protection support hangers and branch lines will begin.
1/8/23 - Hutton’s crews are nearly complete with the metal panel interior roof system. All that is left to complete is the gutter system and connections to drains. Plumbing rough-in work continues. Wall framing continued for future wall locations, now 50% complete and heading south through the space. Mezzanine construction is completed with framing and floor decking in place. HVAC ductwork continued in areas that won’t conflict with future acoustical treatments. Mechanical equipment pads were installed for equipment.
Next week's plans: Work will complete on the metal ceiling system. Mechanical and electrical hanger supports will continue after the metal panel installation. Metal framing for walls will continue at the south end of the project. Mechanical units are scheduled to arrive on site on Tuesday. These are shipped in 16 pieces that then must be re-assembled on site into 3 large units. The small pieces were needed to fit through the existing building openings. Fire protection support hangers and branch lines will begin. Drywall installation will begin at the top of walls ahead of acoustical spray. Acoustical ceiling sprayed treatment will begin below the metal panel ceiling. This will create many of the finished ceilings for the space.
1/23/23 - This past week on the Band Hall Project: Hutton’s crews completed the metal panel interior roof system. Plumbing systems are being insulated. Wall framing continued for future wall locations, now 75% complete and heading south through the space. Drywall installation started on high walls ahead of ceiling texture and large mechanical systems. HVAC ductwork continued in areas that won’t conflict with future acoustical treatments. Air handling units were installed in 2 of the 3 unit locations. Fire protection materials were sprayed at the low portions of the building. Acoustical spray started at high ceiling spaces along the west wall of the building.
4/16/23 - It’s time to start finishing up final details, polishing the brass so to speak and getting the construction crews headed for the exit! The Band Hall project is entering its final stages and will soon be down to just a handful of completion items and final inspections. This doesn’t mean the next couple of weeks won’t be full of work because they will!
This past week on the Band Hall Project: Started installation of acoustic wall and ceiling panels. Painting continued. Final wall colors are now on most walls. Carpenters were busy assembling wood paneling to create the trophy case. Instrument storage cabinets are being installed. Exterior doors and windows were installed. Electricians are busy installing fire alarm devices, lights, outlets and other electrical items. Floor covering work continued. Mechanical system testing continued. The controls systems are now operational.
Next week's plans:Painting will continue with most areas to receive a final coat of paint. Electricians should complete devices. Finish carpentry will wrap up with installation of wood wall paneling and reception desk. Solid surface countertops are due mid week for installation. Floor covering will continue at the entry and reception area. Ceiling tile will be installed. Acoustical panel installation will be completed.
5/2/23 - Cue the band! The KSU Band Hall project is in its final week of scheduled construction activity and as such, this will be the final update for this project. This has been a fun project together and something the future band students and instructors will benefit from for years. I personally don’t recall another project owner displaying outward enthusiasm for a project more than Dr. Tracz did on this one and honestly, that makes this one really rewarding. It’s been a busy couple of weeks since the last update and we are down to obtaining final inspections and making final adjustments to the details.
This past week on the Band Hall Project: Completed acoustic sound trap installation. Painting continued. Carpenters were busy assembling wood cabinetry, tops and wood paneling. Electricians are busy testing fire alarm systems, completing power for AV systems, and attending to details. Floor covering work completed Solid surface sills and tops were installed. Ceiling tiles are installed Final cleaning started. Hutton’s internal quality inspection list complete.
Next week’s plans: Punchlist completion. Final building inspections – Friday, May 5th. Reception desk installation. Training on building systems
The Tracz Family Band Hall is named in honor of Dr. Frank Tracz, professor of music and director of bands. Ward and Brenda Morgan, Manhattan, Kansas, made a gift to name the new band hall at Kansas State University.
This gift, along with other philanthropic support, will fund the renovation of the northwest side of Memorial Stadium, providing one designated rehearsal, storage and office space for the K-State marching band.
| Existing Spaces | New Band Hall Promo |
Thoughts from Students and Staff:
"Everybody loves a home, and everybody deserves a home. This would be ours. A facility like this would help us recruit and retain band members and staff. We are the only Power Five conference school without a designated home for the marching band. This facility, as we envision it, would be a symbol of respect and pride in our organization from our alumni, K-State staff, donors and community supporters.” -Dr Frank Tracz
"Having an indoor space that allows us to have rehearsals would mean never having to guess where we will be for a rehearsal on a rainy day in Kansas. Students would know that they have a safe space, no matter the weather, for their instruments, gear and for themselves. So many times, the directors have to wait until an hour before rehearsal to decide what the best option is for that day and hope we can be in a big enough space for the entire ensemble. This facility would ensure that we can keep doing what we are doing at a high level for our university.” - Allegra Fisher, graduate assistant for K-State Bands
"Having an indoor space right next to Memorial Stadium would be incredible. I know this would ease a lot of the pressure band staff and band members have in carrying large speakers, field markers, first-aid equipment, drum major stands and instruments back and forth from McCain. Band rehearses three times a week, and if the time spent transporting things was eliminated, we could be so productive and continue to use that time to work hard.” - Ashton Thomas, Classy Cats Alumni
"Having indoor and outdoor rehearsal spaces right next to each other would save a lot of time and money. We could spend time working on the music indoors, all together in one place, and then quickly transition outside to work on our marching skills. This would save us the time it takes to walk from McCain to Memorial Stadium.” - Brett Butler, graduate assistant for K-State Bands
"To all our donors, every musically involved student at K-State thanks you. The gift you may give us will not only benefit the marching band students, it will support the entire School of Music, Theatre and Dance. Our ensembles and classes have overwhelmed the capacity of our one music building. Realistically, we only have two major ensemble rehearsal spaces to somehow host more than 15 different groups each week. With an entire building dedicated to The Pride, classrooms and space in McCain Auditorium will be free to host other ensembles, music classes, community programs and performers for all K-State students to enjoy. This project is the permanent mark of your love and selflessness to our music program that will last for decades.” - Meredith Casey, '21
"The marching band is a family to all who join. A facility for the band, one that allows us to rehearse, to safely store our gear in a clean facility and be together as a group displays the pride we already feel for our band. The band works extraordinarily hard on every performance. We love our community, we love our school, and we love each other. This facility would ensure that we can keep doing what we are doing at a high level for our university.” - Allegra Fisher, graduate assistant for K-State Bands
