From the moldy windows to the leaky sinks to the taped carpet, Emily Kopec’s experience in Buddig Hall has led her to desire an alternative place to live next semester.
“Dust is everywhere, the ceiling is jumbled, the carpeting needs to be taped down and the water fountain pressure is low,” said Kopec, a criminal justice sophomore.
Many of Kopec’s and other students’ concerns will be addressed with Buddig’s upcoming renovations.
According to Robert Reed, assistant vice president for Student Affairs, the renovations will consist of two phases and an estimated budget of $18 million to $19 million. Reed said that these renovations will change Buddig inside and out.
Jan. 9 kicked off the spring semester and the first phase of Buddig Hall renovations. During the current phase, phase one, the installation of a new HVAC system and brick remodeling, among other exterior changes will be made, according to Reed.
Ann Moss, director of facilities operations, adds, “The HVAC system has deteriorated, and the window systems are failing. The finishes are in need of an upgrade.”
The last major renovations for Buddig Hall took place in the summer of 1998. These renovations provided residents with new carpeting, wallpaper and paint.
According to Moss, the most recent change to Buddig Hall was the lobby, which was updated in 2010.
Cissy Petty, vice president of Student Affairs and associate provost, said that the renovations will be complete by this upcoming fall semester.
“We may be tidying up some loose ends when school reopens, but generally the heavy lifting will be finished,” she said.
Although students have complained about the disruptiveness, the project will have to move forward, Reed said. Negotiations have been made for the contractors to begin at 9 a.m. instead of 7 a.m. to accommodate students and their concerns, Reed said. “If the construction team had their way, they’d like to begin at 6 a.m., even though we negotiated a 9 a.m. start,” Petty said. “We will do the best we can to try and meet both needs.”
Buddig is the largest residence hall on campus, and this is the most effective way to complete the task, especially in regard to other projects, Reed said. He said he believes that “not housing students is not an option.”
Phase two of the renovations consists of interior renovations, such as new furniture and flooring, according to Petty.
The overall intended outcome of renovations is to create a building with improved and efficient facilities for students, said Sal Liberto, vice president for Enrollment Management and associate provost.
“I believe the students will understand a slight inconvenience to achieve a long term goal,” he said.
Kopec said she has been satisfied with the construction occurring while she is in class. After living unhappily in the same room for two years, Kopec said she is glad Buddig is being renovated.
“The construction is needed,” she said.
Lucy Dieckhaus can be reached at [email protected]
Scaffolding has been erected on the facade of Buddig Hall as part of the upcoming renovations ( (Kevin zansler/photo managing editor and SHamara King/assistant photo editor)
