Hutchinson Auditorium Renovated For the Next Generation of Students
August 26, 2026 | 2 min read
For generations of Florida College students, Hutchinson Auditorium has been at the center of campus life. It is a place filled with familiar routines and lasting memories, from gathering each morning for chapel to concerts, lectures and special events that bring the FC community together.
Constructed in the early 1960s, Hutchinson has served generations of students and remains one of Florida College’s most iconic and recognizable spaces. This summer, the auditorium received a significant renovation designed to refresh the historic space while preserving the character that has made it feel familiar to generations of alumni.
The Florida College Operations Department worked alongside contractors throughout the summer to complete the renovations in time for students to return to campus.
The renovation included repolished concrete floors, new carpet and new seating throughout the auditorium. The updated seating configuration also increased Hutchinson’s capacity from 610 to 672 seats, allowing for the second highest enrollment of 612 students to gather together in the space.
In addition to the floors, carpet and seating, fresh paint was added to the stage, trim, beams and side walls. Improvements to the stage include new stair access and new curtains along the front edge to conceal storage underneath. Additional electrical outlets were also installed throughout the auditorium to better support the needs of events and programs held in the space.
Each weekday, students will continue to fill Hutchinson’s seats for one of Florida College’s most meaningful traditions: gathering as an entire student body for chapel. The renovation allows a space rich with decades of memories to continue serving Florida College well into the future.
