The Mahalia Jackson Theater, a historical and cultural landmark in New Orleans, La., incurred heavy damage during Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. The strong winds damaged the theater’s roof, doors, stage and other fixtures as well as shattering an eight foot by 16 foot window. The basement filled with more than 14 feet of water, destroying the motor control center, orchestra lifts, HVAC controls, sewerage ejector pumps and other structural components.
In October 2008, MWH received a request from the Mayor of New Orleans to help keep the restoration of this very important cultural facility on track for a January 2009 grand re-opening to return this crown jewel to the people of New Orleans. MWH had been serving as program manager for the New Orleans Recovery Program and was eager to take on this important new task.
When MWH began project management responsibilities, the project was six months behind schedule. In only 12 weeks the MWH team was able to restore the theater in time for its grand re-opening on January 8, 2009. The theater now features a state-of-the-art sound system, a new orchestra shell, enhance lighting and a removable floor exclusively for dance performances.
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Project Highlights