MADISON, Wis. -- He made the donation that made it all possible.
After writing the $205 million check, Jerry Frautschi told News 3 what influence he had on the project and points out some of his favorite parts.
"I'm excited about things that are unique to this building, that haven't been done anyplace else in the world, really," said Frautschi.
Special windows hung from the ceiling are among Frautschi’s favorite features. Each window weighs 2,200 pounds.
"They're the largest double-paned glass that has ever been used, from what we understand, in any construction (project) in the world," said Frautschi. "We’re kind of pioneers on that."
Traces of the Frautshi family's influence can be found throughout the building.
Decorative fins, originally designed to be stainless steel, are now made from a specialized product.
"The problem with stainless steel is you can get reflections and distortions in it. If you touch it, you get fingermarks on it," said Frautschi. "My son has a Motogoosi motorcycle and he came over one Sunday and stopped and I pleasantly looked at this motorcycle and said,'That's it, That’s it.' So, Cesar Pelli searched all over to find how to match the Motogoosi. So, my son had a part to play in the selection of the color."
One design element Frautschi was skeptical about has become another of his favorites. It’s a little balcony overlooking the Overture lobby.
"I can see brides being married and throwing their bouquets down to the lower level," said Frautschi.
One spectacular element that most Overture guests will never see impresses Frautschi the most: the air ducts and ventilation system.
"It's big enough to walk in," said Frautschi. "We have to move a huge volume of air to fill all of Overture hall with no sound and that means it has to move very slowly. To move air very slowly, you have to have very large ductwork."
To distribute air evenly and silently in Overture hall, there’s an air duct under every other seat.
But, of all the elements that make up the Overture, the organ is the one that defines the Frautschi vision. It was a gift from Jerry’s wife, Pleasant Rowland.
"We were home listening to a concerto," said Frautschi. “It was just lovely and quiet and we were resting. Then, all of a sudden in the fifth movement, the organ came in and it was just powerful, and we both just jumped up. We loved it and said that is something we've got to have. It’s a work of art, as well as a fantastic instrument."
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Grand Opening: A, B, Cs Of Overture
