UTICA, N.Y. (WKTV) - Renovations on Proctor High School's Auditorium are now complete. The Utica high school held a ribbon cutting ceremony Thursday officially opening their renovated theater.

Together the Utica Board of Education and auditorium construction team announced how they were able to bring in some new elements while still preserving the old with the renovations. They include new lighting, seats, remote controlled shades, handicap accessible lamps and more while maintaining many of the original molding and features that date back to almost 75 years.

"It started right in the planning phases, the district knew what it wanted, it wanted an auditorium that was brought into the 21st century with all the new technology upgrades, but also maintain its historic preservation because that means a lot to the people who went here," said Proctor High School Principal Steven Falchi.

The renovations were part of the $187 million capital project residents approved to transform Utica's schools.

Utica Mayor Robert Pamieri, Assemblyman Anthony Brindisi and Senator Joseph Griffo were among the community leaders who joined parents and students for the event. The ribbon cutting was followed by a concert by Proctor's band and choir.