A $1.8 million addition to Abravanel Hall is opposed by the widow of the Utah Symphony music director for whom it is named.
The plan would add a second story to the previously announced addition to the women's restroom and expanded box office.Original expansion plans have been altered to include a 3,200-square-foot dining-reception area directly above the triangular-shaped box office and restroom additions, said Marian Iwasaki, director of Salt Lake County's fine-arts facilities.
Carolyn Abravanel, widow of Maurice Abravanel, described the second floor as "an afterthought (that) will destroy the beauty and fluid design of this magnificent building.
Don L. Andrews, symphony president and CEO, said the second-floor concept is endorsed by the orchestra's board of directors, and "we have no reason that it will violate the integrity of the existing building."