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One of our low-voltage vendors, LVC, is in the process of replacing and upgrading the building fire/security panel for the Opera Center. Tomorrow morning is set to be the Big Day when we actually swap the panel out and test to make sure it’s working as expected. Because they’ll need to test every component that interfaces with the board, part of the process will be to set off all of the fire-alarm horn/strobes. This will look and feel like our recent fire drill, which is to say, bright, blinky, and loud!

I don’t yet have an exact time for this test – we’ll have a better idea once things start moving tomorrow. But we expect it to be “mid-to-late-morning”, roughly anywhere from 9-noon. We pledge, in any case, not to disrupt the Orchestra’s activities that begin in the early afternoon. Worst case, we’ll hold off on testing until a later date.

The test will be brief, and I’ll make my way through the building alerting folks before we do it.

As we gear up for another season, we’re rolling out a new policy for indoor bicycle/scooter storage at the Opera Center. We ask that those who wish to store their scooters and bikes indoors please do so within the new tape-markings in the Lower Level area under the Lobby stairs (where the coat racks and lounge chair used to be).

In order to implement life-safety best-practices and remain compliant with fire code, we can no longer allow the storage of bikes/scooters in hallways or stairwells. Additionally, to preserve our flooring, walls, and building finishes, we will no longer allow bikes or scooter to be stored in carpeted areas such as offices or workstations.   

We are hopeful that the new “Bike Zone” under the lobby stairs will be a workable option for everyone who stores their bike or scooter indoors during the workday. Should you ever have trouble finding space within the taped-off boundary, please contact Adam Zahller, who will help you find an acceptable alternate location.

As you begin to use this space, please remain aware of the sprinkler heads underneath the stairs. Take care not to knock into them, as damage could cause significant flooding (!).

Finally, a reminder that security against theft or tampering is never 100% guaranteed, even when storing your bike indoors. Wherever you are parked, we recommend that you lock or secure your bicycle/scooter in some fashion. When using the Bike Zone, which will not accommodate a rack, this probably means locking your bicycle wheels to your frame or taking your e-bike or scooter battery with you to your desk.