War Memorial Auditorium Live Nation Renovation

The War Memorial Auditorium renovation project in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, was a complex undertaking that modernized the historic venue while preserving its architectural integrity. Completed in late 2024, the project transformed the space into a state-of-the-art concert venue with a capacity of 3,500 people. The most challenging aspect of the renovation was the “Proscenium Concrete Beam Demolition,” which involved removing a massive 60-foot long, 8-foot high concrete beam weighing 6,000 pounds per linear foot. This critical activity required extensive safety measures, including the installation of eight 44-foot high shoring towers to support the auditorium’s structure, ten additional towers to hold the beam during demolition, and the use of hydraulic jacks with 50-ton load capacity at each contact point. The beam was meticulously cut into 2-foot sections, each weighing 12,000 pounds, for safe removal.

The renovation included several key improvements, such as the addition of a new mezzanine with tiered seating, improved accessibility features, back-of-house spaces for performers, Live Nation-approved lighting and control systems, new restrooms, bars, and a commercial food preparation area. Other upgrades encompassed new flooring, painting, acoustical treatments, plaster refurbishment, a new 290-ton chiller HVAC system, and an updated electrical system. The revitalized venue now features 44,000 square feet of versatile space, including a general admission floor and a premium seated mezzanine level, while retaining its classic art-deco character.

The renovation was part of a larger development that included the construction of an IcePlex for the Florida Panthers, creating a multi-use entertainment district within Fort Lauderdale’s Holiday Park. The project successfully transformed the War Memorial Auditorium into a modern, flexible performance space that honors its historical significance while meeting contemporary entertainment standards.

CLIENT: War Memorial Benefit Corporation
LOCATION: Fort Lauderdale, FL
COMPLETION DATE: June 2024
BUILDING SF: 35,571 SF
SERVICES: Prime Contractor