If you have attended an event in the Jones Nutter Auditorium on the second floor of the Stewart Library Building during the heat of summer or the cold of winter you know that the ventilation and heating in the auditorium is not adequate. It is hot and stuffy in the summer, and cold in the winter. This has been a significant barrier to the comfortable use of the facility for many years.

Openings for the HVAC in ceiling and wall – Jones Nutter Auditorium

Change is coming. Thanks to the generosity of donors to the preservation of the building, we are installing a new heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system on the second floor. Installation by ABM Mechanical, Inc. began in March 2017. The project is scheduled for completion by the end of May, in time for the June production of a two-act comedy by the Levi Stewart Community Theater.

In this picture you can see some of the round openings in the ceiling where the air will enter the room. The finish on the round diffusers will be painted to match the ceiling. Notice the square opening in the wall above the stage door near the flags. This will be an air return. The old, noisy, unit heaters will be removed. One of those heaters is visible just behind the ceiling light fixture in the corner. [Other details from a previous post.]

The duct work of this system is located in the attic and will not be visible in the auditorium. The sheet metal contractor has been working for the past few weeks installing the ducts. These photos were taken on April 9. I will use the word “awesome” to describe their work. They are almost finished. In this picture you can see the results, so far. (The old wheel chair in this photo has been stored in the attic for many years.)

HVAC duct work in the attic – Stewart Library Building

All of the ducts are over sized to reduce system noise. This will be important during performances and events in the auditorium below. To save energy the system is designed to ventilate the space with outside air when possible.

The picture below shows the duct coming back from the air return opening above the stage door. The insulation has been applied to the duct. The system will be insulated throughout to reduce heat and cooling loss and to also help with noise reduction.

Duct in attic leading to the air return over the stage door

Opportunities to visit the auditorium: The Board of Selectmen meets there on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month. The LSCT will present a play on June 16, 17, 23 and 24.