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Shaftman Performance Hall
Proscenium arch
The auditorium sat dark until 1997 when the Board of Directors launched another campaign to renovate the space. Again, with a public-private partnership, the City of Roanoke committed $2 million to the project with the understanding the other $3 million be raised by the Foundation from supporters of Jefferson Center. The project met with tremendous support from individuals and families, Jefferson High School alumni, corporations and private foundations.
The original estimate of $5 million for the auditorium increased to $9 million as construction problems and equipment costs increased dramatically. Throughout the $9 million renovation project Jefferson Center Foundation remained steadfast in its commitment to preserving the architectural authenticity of the hall, named in honor of Rosalie and Sydney Shaftman.
Consistent with the goals to be a first class performance facility, Jefferson Center boasts elegant finishes and decorations. Existing marble, wood-panel, and cast-plaster finishes were completely refurbished. The auditorium chairs, once unadorned and wooden, are now luxurious seats of cherry wood with plush velvet cushions. Loges and chandeliers recall the spirit of an old-world opera house.
Technical components brought Shaftman Performance Hall into the 21st century and include an orchestra lift, expanded stage area and a sound system that can be customized to acoustically profile the performer's needs. Dozens of strategically placed speakers disperse audio around the room to ensure symmetry of sound no matter where the seat. At considerable expense the roof was raised 22-feet to create an 65-foot tower that houses impressive stage rigging.
With the May 2001 opening of Shaftman Performance Hall, Jefferson Center became the significant cultural asset envisioned by many to create something special from the once abandoned, yet historically important, Jefferson High School. Jefferson Center has achieved an important objective of stabilizing the neighborhood and providing the underpinnings for revitalization of the Downtown West area. The rebirth of this magnificent performance hall was made possible by the steadfast support of the City of Roanoke as well as the gifts of generous individuals and families, Jefferson High School alumni, Roanoke Valley businesses, and private foundations throughout the Commonwealth.
