By Lana Lagomarsini

After a year and a half of delay and planning, renovations for Blackman Auditorium have begun.

The first of two planned renovations was completed during the summer, with the second phase scheduled for next summer, said Senior Vice President for Enrollment and Student Life, Philomena Mantella.

New lighting, audio equipment and seating were installed, Mantella said.

The total budget for the project is between $2 million and $4 million, she said, and the first phase cost between $1 million and $1.5 million.

Kieran Byrnes, director of operations for Blackman, said the process was lengthy because they were perfecting arrangements to make the auditorium more accessible to a wider range of students and student groups.

“We want to make the space ideal for the university as a whole,” Byrnes said.

In January 2007, The News published a letter from Adriana Campos, then vice president for student affairs for the Student Government Association (SGA), commenting on the multiple renovation needs for Blackman, which was home to 30-year-old seats, a poor sound booth that obstructed views and inadequate aisle space.

The project stalled until March as it waited for funding approval by the university, said SGA Vice President for Student Services Ryan Fox. The university also had to factor in scheduling concerns to ensure the renovations did not clash with events, Byrnes said. Starting the renovations during the relative lull in the summer made the most sense, Byrnes said.

Classes being held in the auditorium will also be greatly benefited, Byrnes said.

“We’re here to make things great for students,” Byrnes said. “We are always looking to serve students as best we can and always open to new ideas.”

Once the auditorium is complete, the possibilities are more likely that students can use the space to invite speakers, theatre groups and acts of their choosing, Byrnes said.

Fox said the renovations could bring better acts to Northeastern.

“The renovation should allow easier access to booking events, because the renovation will cut down on costs like lighting and audio,” said Fox.

Before the addition of new audio equipment, Fox said professionals had to be brought in to help with the audio of visiting speakers.

Although many improvements have been made to the auditorium, the process will not be expected to be complete until next September, Fox said.

Byrnes said the renovations will contribute to a more enjoyable experience at Blackman.

“Students can expect to see presentations better, hear better and see better in the auditorium,” Byrnes said.