46 I t was a symbol: of progress. of newness, of attaining "universityhood ." Built into the brick, mortar and concrete that enclosed the steel superstructure and began to swallow "the Beam" were many hopes for the continual improvement of Harding. Since construction began in the summer of 1978, the George S. Benson Auditorium, or Mount Benson, as it came to be called, controlled and affected plans and policies campus wide. From the removal of the old tennis courts that were once where the Benson now stands, to the building of the original "mountain," the mound of earth built to raise the foundation above the water table, conversations ~nd long range scheduling hinged upon the wistfully repeated, "Next semester. ." or "Once we're in the Benson Counting on the auditorium's completion before the beginning of the fall semester this year, courses had been scheduled to meet in the four upper balcony classrooms, and the master schedule included one chapel period when all could worship together. In August, however, the building was still far from completion, so administrators altered chapel plans to adjust to the construction delays caused by bad weather. As autumn took hold Benson filled out, and red brick enclosed the metal supports . The facade began to take on its final form; the succession of concrete steps and split level planters filled in the mud holes at the base of the mound, and after a long wait gaping holes were replaced with dark glass. Four sets of contemporary-design outdoor lights adorned the walkway in front of the building. As students departed for Christmas break, the brickmasons and other workmen who for so long labored outdoors retreated into the cavernous auditorium - the largest in Arkansas - and began the time-consuming finishing process. The structure rose 5S feet and stretched 90 feet across at its maximum. The three-level auditorium has a 3,429 capacity, with 2,199 seats on the main floor. A suite of offices inside the spacious skyl i! foyer eventually would house the staff of Assistant to the President Dr. Jimmy Carr. Ticket booths and restrooms were located off the foyer. The building was furnished in burnt orange velour, cushioned seats, with tan plush carpet. One featu re for which the drama department was grateful was the expansive stage. with three-story dressing areas backstage and a full orchestra pit below. Final preparations for occupying the bui lding were accomplished in the few days prior to spring registration. Carpet was laid, seats were installed and hymnbooks were placed in the book racks. One discovery made in the days before the auditorium was opened was that the view of the stage was obstructed for those seated in the front row of the lower balcony or the first four rows of the upper balcony. Dr. Clifton Ganus announced that his flaw would be corrected in the future, however. At a cost of $2.6 million, construction was accomplished by Harding's crews, with little subcontracting. Vice-President for Finance Lott Tucker said, "One can never be sure, but I would estimate the cost of the building to have been $3.5 million if we hadn't used our own crews, superintendent and engineer. It made a considerable savings for us. Mount Benson January 10 culminated years of planning as the students, faculty and administration joined in the first assembly in the fan-shaped Benson, which covers approximately one acre. Following the devotional, Dr. George S. Benson, for whom the building was named, made brief remarks, reserving his major comments for the official March 27 dedication after furnishing, finishing and landscaping were completed. As President Ganus remarked that morning, "It came about through much heartache and struggle, but it's kind of like giving birth to a baby - we looked forward to it and waited for it, and now it's finally here. We are overjoyed." During the spring, the structure was used for concerts, weekly campus movies, chapel, classes, seminars and Spring Sing. tf.()
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