CLARION, Pa. (EYT) — An $8.4 million office consolidation project at Clarion University could follow its existing programs for new replacement student housing and major renovations and additions to Tippin Natatorium if Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education approves a capital program request for 2015-16.
Clarion University’s Council of Trustees unanimously approved the request at its regular last meeting that calls for the demolition of Carrier Hall on Main Street; the demolition of Thorn I and Thorn II used for Public Safety; the renovation of Egbert Hall; and moving Public Safety into the current Admissions Building on Wood Street.
If approved, the project would start with the renovation of Egbert Hall that is scheduled to be emptied after offices move to the extensively renovated Becht Hall designated as a one-stop student services building. Once the Egbert renovation is completed, some Carrier offices would move to Egbert and some to Becht Hall. Admissions is also slated to move to the new Becht Hall complex. Public Safety offices would then move to the then vacant Admissions building.
The request states that the project will substantially reduce operating costs, space surplus, and deferred maintenance.
“Carrier Hall, constructed in 1971, has never had a comprehensive renovation,” states the request to PASSHE. “It is recommended for demolition rather than rehabilitation by the master planner since rehabbing is more expensive than replacing. Not only is the building in significant disrepair, but it is very unattractive at a key location on campus and detracts from first impressions for potential students and their families.”
The total project reportedly reduces operating costs by at least $150,000.00 per year, reduces deferred maintenance by over $8 million, and reduces the space inventory on campus by 25,839 gross sq. ft.
Campus Accessibility Improvements
Trustees also requested the release of $5 million for a project addressing campus accessibility improvements previously approved at the state level such as elevators for Moore Hall and Stevens Hall.
The Capital Program Submission states that several campus buildings are underutilized or largely inaccessible to students with disabilities; certain uses housed in these buildings do not lend themselves to be relocated to accessible locations.
“For instance, one of the campus’ original buildings, Moore Hall, built in 1890, is primarily ‘mothballed’ because of its inaccessibility,” states the request. “With the installation of an elevator, bathroom upgrades, and other improvements, the building could serve a variety of functions. Similarly, classroom buildings serving unique curriculum and uses are largely inaccessible. For instance, the Special Education building could be far more utilized with the installation of an elevator and bathroom upgrades. The two buildings serving sculpture and ceramics classes, for which cannot be offered at another campus location, are completely inaccessible. Finally, the Venango College library scores at the bottom of a scale developed by the campus master planning consultants. All or any of these projects would greatly improve our services to students, faculty, and staff with disabilities and represent the most urgently needed accessibility improvements.”
Ric Taylor, director of facilities planning and management, outlined the project as part of the final draft of a revised campus master plan.
The project would also include the creation of “Arnold Plaza” in place of Carrier Hall at the corner of Arnold Avenue and Main Street. The project could include an often-discussed second entrance to the university off Main Street.
