Summer Construction Update
Work under way on numerous campus improvement projects
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| Little Squash Center construction |
From new additions and major renovations to the usual upkeep, more than three dozen physical plant improvement projects are in process this summer. Among the highlights are:
Charlean and Wayland Blood Fitness and Dance Center: The former Saunders Hall of Chemistry will become the place to stay physically fit. Among the building's features are a dance studio, a multi-purpose exercise room, a three-story climbing wall and a cardio fitness and weightlifting area. Inside the building's atrium, restoration continues on the original stone arches and wall, which are being restored close to their original 1897 appearance. The fitness center will connect to the rest of the athletic facilities via an underground tunnel. Completion of the facility is scheduled for late August.
Little Squash Center: Exterior stonework is completed on this addition along the north wall of the field house. When finished in early October, the center will house 10 regulation-size squash courts, including two with exhibition gallery seating.
Kirkland Residence Hall: Built in 1823 as Middle College and later remodeled in 1891 as Soper Gymnasium, Kirkland Residence Hall was last renovated in 1963. Upgrades include new electrical and heating systems and a complete interior refurbishing. With the dance studio relocating to the new fitness and dance center, the top floor of Kirkland will be converted into four studio apartments.
Sports Medicine Clinic: The former fitness center, located off the main entrance to the field house, is being converted into a sports medicine/training clinic. The new facility is triple the size of the former training room, which was located in the basement of the Alumni Gymnasium.
Sigma Phi Fraternity House: Heavy construction has begun to transform the former Sigma Phi house into the new headquarters for the offices of Admission and Financial Aid. The building will be renovated and expanded from 14,000 to 24,000 square feet, and new parking areas will be created for visitors. Work will continue through the spring.
Christian A. Johnson Hall: The front façade of the building, once known as the James Library, is being restored to preserve the building's original 1914 design.
Underground Data Bank: In preparation for upcoming renovations to the Kirner-Johnson Building, data and power lines are being re-routed via a new underground network that extends across campus from Christian A. Johnson Hall to K-J.
Glen House: Built in 1922 as a studio for art professor and collector Edward Root, Class of 1905, the Glen House served as a private residence before its renovation this summer. The building is now headquarters for the Hamilton Outdoor Leadership Center. It contains equipment rooms for the Bike Co-op, Ski Club and Outing Club, among others, as well as student meeting and social space.
College Hill Road Crosswalk: Pedestrians will be crossing College Hill Road via Martin's Way more safely thanks to a lighted warning system to be installed in the pavement before the start of classes on Aug. 28.
Martin's Way: After the brick path is extended from Commons Dining Hall to the Science Center this summer, Martin's Way will connect both sides of campus from its start at the Kirner-Johnson Buildings.
