The building was a gift to Chautauqua Institution from Reginald Lenna (le-nā'), a retired local industrialist, in honor of his wife.

[1] Chautauqua Institution had long needed a rehearsal facility for its world-class symphony orchestra, which is in residence during the summer season each year.

Moveable automated draperies and sound-absorbing panels were included in the design of the 8,000-square foot hall to absorb and dampen sound and control reverberation.

Tiers of seating collapse into the walls and into a pit in the floor for rapid conversion from recitals to symphony rehearsals.

In 1996, Bill Clinton used the facility to prepare for a televised presidential debate with his opponent, Bob Dole.