City of Alexandria – Public Council Hearing Chambers Historic Renovations

The scope of this project consisted of an acoustical study and the design of a replacement audio system for the historic City Council Chambers Hearing Room. Measurements and analysis of the existing audio and video systems were performed and reported on. New system features included mix-minus technology, gain normalization, incorporation of local monitoring at the Dias, redistribution of speech/program audience reinforcement, DSP processing, and microphone grouping to increase gain before feedback. The audio interface with the video production control room was redesigned, addressing the issue of unreliable audio signal levels within the room being broadcast across the Community Antenna Television System (CATV) to city residents. The scope of this project also included the design of a new video presentation system. New system features included local video monitoring at the Dias, large format audience displays, and secondary closed captioning monitors for the hearing impaired. Infrastructure was planned to the Comcast distribution facility, improving broadcast quality images and display of high-resolution sources. Enhancements to the existing video system included laptop connections for the city council members, public audience, and support staff personnel. CATV distribution was expanded to support in room display of broadcast signals as well as closed captioning distribution. Project challenges included a fast track project schedule, interaction between design team and on-call installation contractors, as well as, elements related to a project with historical preservation requirements. The first phase of this multi-phase renovation/upgrade project has been complete since January 2004. Future phases are to include upgrade of audiovisual presentation systems and supporting ancillary overflow space viewing/listening rooms.

Architect: Heery International
Location: Alexandria, Virginia
Construction Cost: $500,000
Project Size: 10,000 gsf