Students returning to classes on the third floor of King had to look twice when they came out of the stairwell.

The tiles are vibrant hues, the chairs are more comfortable, the lighting is brighter and the curtains are darker. The overall effect is a brighter, more cheerful King, more precisely a brighter, more cheerful section of King. A simple turn of the corridor will bring you back to the browns and whites and grays of the old King.

The renovations to King and Rice have been desired for many years. The building was first built in the early 1960s to replace the old conservatory and is now in need of replacing itself. The reason for the partial renovations is a mix of available time, funding and opinions.

“I think it was an excellent job,” said Project Director and Associate Dean Grover Zinn. “We’re waiting now to hear what students and faculty think of the renovations.”

Overall, students seem pleased with the changes in the building.

“The chairs are much more comfortable,” said sophomore Karelisa Falkner.

“It looks less executive now,” first-year Scott Grogan said.

Professors who teach in the building, however, aren’t nearly so supportive.

“All they did was give King a face-lift so it looks better for students considering applying to Oberlin,” said one social sciences professor. “What King and Rice needed were much more fundamental changes.”

Many professors feel that what is being done to King and Rice is not enough and that the money used for the renovations should have been postponed until more important renovations like ventilation or heating overhauls could have been implemented.

The project will be finished in three-to-four years, according to Zinn.

Warner Concert Hall was also renovated over winter break.

“The renovations were to replace the seating, which was uncomfortable and acoustically bad,” Associate Dean for Technology and Facilities in the Conservatory Micael Lynn said. The seating design also was not handicap accesible.

The metal seats are now wooden and the aisles have been reorganized to improve acoustics. The renovations to King and Warner were funded by the $3.3 million the college spends annually on maintenance and modernization.

“We’re very happy with the improvements to Warner,” Dean of Conservatory David Stull said. “It is clearly a much improved experience for the listening audience.”

There have already been concerts in Warner and this Saturday will feature a faculty trumpet recital.