We are planning a renovation to our Box Office space in 2019 and in advance of this project I'd like to gather some feedback from others who have gone through this process. What layout changes did you make to the Box Office space, is your Box Office an enclosed area or open to the lobby or other style? Were there also functional changes to the Box Office? What would you have done differently? What worked, and what didn't for your space? What was the impact on staff and on patrons? And finally would you share photos of your current Box Office space? Photos can be sent directly to me by email. Thanks for any and all feedback. Barb
I haven't gone through a box office renovation, but I have worked in a new facility. I started about 4 months after a new box office was built and opened (this was a long while ago at this point). My biggest recommendation would be to NOT go cheap on materials or equipment - I know, that's hard not to do, but seriously don't go cheap if at all possible.
Less than 8 months after the new facility had been built, our safe had broken because the decision makers had the bright idea to save money and buy a regular home fire safe - problem was that those are not meant to be opened very often. Being opened at least twice a day wore that thing out suuuuuuuper fast.
Also within a year of the facility being built, we noticed that drawers (built using particle board) were coming loose from their tracking. I left the organization for a few years about 16 months after the box office was built, and came back around 2 1/2 years later. In that 2 1/2 years, handled had fallen off of drawers and cabinets. By the time I left, I think there were more drawers/cabinets without handles than with. The way that box office was designed left everything visible to patrons, so they could see the broken cabinets and drawers.
Another recommendation I would have is to make sure you think about a grown person when deciding the placement of workstations. Think of the space that you would need to successfully do your position without feeling like you've got no room. I've worked in large spaces and small spaces and the small spaces are very difficult.
Also, make sure that all computers and ticket printers are in places that are easily accessible for maintenance, especially if you have a ticket printer that is vertical/under the counter.
I'd send you photos of the spaces I'm talking about, but I'm no longer at that organization.
Good luck with the renovation!
-C