(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y93/okinawatyphoon/newacademicbuilding.jpg)
(http://www.valpo.edu/common/images/news/831.jpg)
Once a center for campus social activities, the site of Valparaiso University's recently demolished old union will soon find a new purpose as a center for learning. Valparaiso University is starting construction this October on a new building that will strengthen Valpo's academic program by supporting the work of its faculty members and facilitating greater interaction between students and their professors.
The University's Board of Directors has approved construction of a three-story, 52,000-square-foot academic building that will add classroom space and consolidate faculty offices in the College of Arts and Sciences. The new building follows the construction of three other buildings in supporting Valpo's vibrant learning environment: the nearly completed Heritage Hall reconstruction project for the School of Law, the Donald V. Fites Engineering Innovation Center and the recently opened Harre Union.
President Mark Heckler said the investment of approximately $18.75 million in the new building will enhance Valpo's academic quality and support the personal character of the University's learning environment.
"Valpo's faculty members are widely recognized for being outstanding teachers who are dedicated to helping each student learn and develop a sense of purpose," said Heckler. "The new academic building will support their work and strengthen the quality of our students' educational experience."
Several academic departments in the College of Arts and Sciences will have faculty offices in the new building, in addition to classrooms and administrative offices for the college. Construction of the academic building, which is scheduled for completion in April 2012, will be followed by the renovation of classroom and faculty offices in Meier Hall for Valpo's Department of Education. The department will move from Miller Hall, which will be razed along with Huegli Hall.
Construction will begin immediately to ensure the project is well under way before the onset of winter, and a gathering to bless the project and celebrate its commencement is being planned for later this fall. Details about this event will follow shortly.
Jon Kilpinen, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, said the project will foster greater departmental unity by moving faculty into a central location on campus, while at the same time encouraging more student-faculty interaction by housing faculty offices and classrooms together.
"Our students and faculty will benefit from the greater collaboration between departments and from additional opportunities for one-on-one interaction," Kilpinen said. "The new academic building also will support interdisciplinary innovation as the University explores exciting new academic programs."
The academic building, combined with the University's three ongoing or recently completed projects, represent a more than $110 million investment in the overall quality of the Valpo experience since 2006, Heckler said.
"Combined with our outstanding faculty and staff who help each student chart a unique educational path, this project will ensure Valpo continues to offer a superior learning environment," Heckler said.
EHDD, the architectural firm for the award-winning Christopher Center, also designed the new academic building.
I'm not sure how far along this project is since there is not only no webcam or project page, there is no mention of this building on Valpo's website (other than the announcement). When I stopped by the site in January, the foundation was coming along nicely. Does anyone have updates on this project?
maybe when you go back north from the gulf you can swing through and check :-)
Quote from: okinawatyphoon on March 13, 2011, 09:48:56 PM
I'm not sure how far along this project is since there is not only no webcam or project page, there is no mention of this building on Valpo's website (other than the announcement). When I stopped by the site in January, the foundation was coming along nicely. Does anyone have updates on this project?
I was on campus three weeks ago (overlapping the Missouri State game) - though my memory's a bit hazy.
I believe construction was ongoing, despite the chill. And that there were some I-beams in place, even some as high as the second floor.
Here is a photo of the arts & sciences building construction I snapped this afternoon.
cool beans. very exciting to see this kind of progress, given the crazy winter weather that would have hampered construction.
Whoa, thanks for the update valpopal! It's coming along nicely! :thumbsup:
Did I see somewhere that they hope to have the building done -- and occupied -- by the time classes start next January? If so, that tells me that maybe the administration has plans to knock down Huegli next spring and then start on the new dorm that I understand will be going in that spot. Perhaps President Heckler will address this during one of his upcoming talks. VU72, are you going? If so, can you (or anyone else on this board) fill us in on what President Heckler had to say? Thanks, Paul ps and maybe you can ask him when the new track will be installed! We've waited long enough!
Quote from: 78crusader on March 14, 2011, 08:39:39 PM
Did I see somewhere that they hope to have the building done -- and occupied -- by the time classes start next January? If so, that tells me that maybe the administration has plans to knock down Huegli next spring and then start on the new dorm that I understand will be going in that spot. Perhaps President Heckler will address this during one of his upcoming talks. VU72, are you going? If so, can you (or anyone else on this board) fill us in on what President Heckler had to say? Thanks, Paul ps and maybe you can ask him when the new track will be installed! We've waited long enough!
I haven't heard that, but I wouldn't be surprised if they were trying to get this building done as soon as possible (and from the looks of it, it seems as if it could be done by January at the rate it's going). And please, 72, ask about the track!! It still baffles me.
Quote from: okinawatyphoon on March 14, 2011, 08:58:47 PM
Quote from: 78crusader on March 14, 2011, 08:39:39 PM
Did I see somewhere that they hope to have the building done -- and occupied -- by the time classes start next January? If so, that tells me that maybe the administration has plans to knock down Huegli next spring and then start on the new dorm that I understand will be going in that spot. Perhaps President Heckler will address this during one of his upcoming talks. VU72, are you going? If so, can you (or anyone else on this board) fill us in on what President Heckler had to say? Thanks, Paul ps and maybe you can ask him when the new track will be installed! We've waited long enough!
I haven't heard that, but I wouldn't be surprised if they were trying to get this building done as soon as possible (and from the looks of it, it seems as if it could be done by January at the rate it's going). And please, 72, ask about the track!! It still baffles me.
you mean you didn't like running pfas on the mezzanine track? ;)
Quote from: valpopal on March 14, 2011, 04:30:11 PM
Here is a photo of the arts & sciences building construction I snapped this afternoon.
Just to make sure I have my bearings correct, is this picture taken from the parking lot that was on the west side of the old union?
As a random aside, the title of this thread "New Arts & Sciences building" still throws me!
It's true that the building is intended, more or less, for the college of arts and sciences. But, it's not to be confused with the VUCA (for many "arts"), nor with Neils Science Center (or its proposed replacement).
I think of it more as a "humanities" building. We'll see what they actually name it! I suppose they're still hoping for a donor, and would happily call it, wait, what's his name? Hromadka Hall?
Quote from: bbtds on March 15, 2011, 02:47:56 AM
Quote from: valpopal on March 14, 2011, 04:30:11 PM
Here is a photo of the arts & sciences building construction I snapped this afternoon.
Just to make sure I have my bearings correct, is this picture taken from the parking lot that was on the west side of the old union?
Yes, this picture is taken from the side entrance of Christ College facing east and looking over the old parking lot. The building behind the construction is the library, which I hoped would offer a bit of perspective.
Quote from: agibson on March 15, 2011, 06:00:12 AM
As a random aside, the title of this thread "New Arts & Sciences building" still throws me!
It's true that the building is intended, more or less, for the college of arts and sciences. But, it's not to be confused with the VUCA (for many "arts"), nor with Neils Science Center (or its proposed replacement).
I think of it more as a "humanities" building. We'll see what they actually name it! I suppose they're still hoping for a donor, and would happily call it, wait, what's his name? Hromadka Hall?
It will probably hold some of the humanities courses, or some of the smaller classes for "majors only", if the class will have small enrollment. Also, it will be the office spaces for those who were over in Huegli for many decades. I guess that's where the "arts & sciences" comes from, since most of the professors who had offices in Huegli taught the "arts & sciences" of thinking, more than art or science.
As far as I know, there's a possibility that there was not a major donor to this project and may just be named something generic. But yes, I called it the new "arts & sciences building" since it will house professors for the college mostly. Remember, there is minimal classroom space in this building (approximately four classrooms and some shared space) and will mostly be professor and administrator offices.
Until the building carries a person's name, I suspect a major donor will always have an opportunity to name it.
The College of Arts & Sciences includes liberal arts and social sciences--departments such as soc, psych, econ, and others that can't possibly be classified as humanities. Also the Dean of A&S will be located there. I'm told moving in will take place late spring and summer '12 with full readiness by that fall.
Yeah, if we think of it as a liberal arts building that helps quite a bit.
Quotedepartments such as soc, psych, econ, and others that can't possibly be classified as humanities.
Ah, the social sciences. I'll confess that, to this physicist, these do all sometimes feel like humanities ;)
Admittedly, there are plenty of pscyhologists and economists who do work that feels scientific, or at least data driven. Sociology I'm less sure of - I should probably better acquaint myself with the field, my best reference is probably Durkheim, maybe noone newer!
A few more details of the new building:
95 faculty offices and support areas
10 classrooms (more than the rumored 4)
A Language Resource Center (badly needed, by the way, since the one in Meier Hall was pretty terrible).
On target to achieve LEED Silver.
51,360 sq ft
95 offices! Wow - that must be a quarter of the faculty.
Off topic, but, okinawa, your post reminds me. How do the admissions numbers look? I guess it's about that time of year?
Because Arts and Sciences is by far the largest college, it makes sense that all classrooms, offices etc couldn't be in one place. The VUCA is for "performing Arts" while Neils is classroom sciences. This new building, as others have stated, is for bringing the colleges professors into one buiilding rather than being scattered all over the place. Many of the profs will come from Huegli which will be next to hit the wrecking ball.
As for naming, remember that President Heckler and the Board are taking a new approach to construction of new facilities. During Alan Harre's tenure, most everything was only started after firm commitments were in place for not only the construction costs but also the endowment for same.
This new approach is more like..."if we need it we will build it and worry about how to fund it later".
Certain projects just need to be done now, during a period when a major fund raising project is not underway. It makes sense to me.
Quote from: agibson on April 12, 2011, 05:58:07 AM
95 offices! Wow - that must be a quarter of the faculty.
Off topic, but, okinawa, your post reminds me. How do the admissions numbers look? I guess it's about that time of year?
I actually haven't heard too much other than some generic rumblings, but things are looking good from what I've heard.
The President told us, (and I have confirmation from admissions) that not only were the application numbers way up, but the quality of the incoming class was also better than in recent memory. As an example, students must now have a minimum of a B average to even apply. The class will be larger also. What the exact numbers are I don't know, but they should be released shortly I would think.
What I don't understand is the administration's insistence on building a Welcome Center. To me, the current admissions building is fine. I think there are other, more pressing building needs than a Welcome Center. No one on this board has ever said boy, the current admissions building is a real negative for VU. However, many have pointed out our need (I list them here in no particular order) for a new science building, fieldhouse, dorms, and track. I would bet that when the administration took its survey of what people thought VU needed in terms of facilities, a Welcome Center was not even mentioned. Paul
Quote from: vu72 on April 12, 2011, 12:40:59 PM
The President told us, (and I have confirmation from admissions) that not only were the application numbers way up, but the quality of the incoming class was also better than in recent memory. As an example, students must now have a minimum of a B average to even apply. The class will be larger also. What the exact numbers are I don't know, but they should be released shortly I would think.
I have also been informed by an administration official that applications are very high, and the quality of the accepted students is higher as well. The person speaking to me sounded very encouraged. He also said the progress of construction for the A&S building appears to be on schedule.
Quote from: 78crusader on April 12, 2011, 01:18:21 PM
What I don't understand is the administration's insistence on building a Welcome Center. To me, the current admissions building is fine. I think there are other, more pressing building needs than a Welcome Center. No one on this board has ever said boy, the current admissions building is a real negative for VU. However, many have pointed out our need (I list them here in no particular order) for a new science building, fieldhouse, dorms, and track. I would bet that when the administration took its survey of what people thought VU needed in terms of facilities, a Welcome Center was not even mentioned. Paul
I for one think a Welcome Center is essential. Think about this: A student's first impression of campus is KRETZMANN. It is a cramped, ugly building that is not very welcoming to families. There have been some improvements, but really it is a terrible first impression. Also, the building is bursting at the seams and there is not nearly enough room for the undergraduate or graduate admission staff, let alone the student aides. Current students and alumni don't see the need since they use the building so rarely, but prospective students and families are definitely impacted by it. How can we recruit more and better students when the first thing they see is so dilapidated? Fortunately someone else on the board seems to understand the need too.
Quote from: okinawatyphoon on April 12, 2011, 03:56:47 PM
Quote from: 78crusader on April 12, 2011, 01:18:21 PM
What I don't understand is the administration's insistence on building a Welcome Center. To me, the current admissions building is fine. I think there are other, more pressing building needs than a Welcome Center. No one on this board has ever said boy, the current admissions building is a real negative for VU. However, many have pointed out our need (I list them here in no particular order) for a new science building, fieldhouse, dorms, and track. I would bet that when the administration took its survey of what people thought VU needed in terms of facilities, a Welcome Center was not even mentioned. Paul
I for one think a Welcome Center is essential. Think about this: A student's first impression of campus is KRETZMANN. It is a cramped, ugly building that is not very welcoming to families. There have been some improvements, but really it is a terrible first impression. Also, the building is bursting at the seams and there is not nearly enough room for the undergraduate or graduate admission staff, let alone the student aides. Current students and alumni don't see the need since they use the building so rarely, but prospective students and families are definitely impacted by it. How can we recruit more and better students when the first thing they see is so dilapidated? Fortunately someone else on the board seems to understand the need too.
He is on the money!! When you see the building I think you will really appreciate it. Not only prospective students, but also alumni who haven't been back in 20 or 30 years. When they drive in they don't have a clue where to begin. I'm told the building will have a museum quality exhibition as well as just a very welcoming aspect. I think it will be a great addition and probably modeled after successful and growing competitive institutions.
OK, Okinawa and VU72 have convinced me. My perception of the building was probably influenced by the fact that the day we were there for our campus visit, there were several very pleasant families there and we all enjoyed talking to one another. It was an enjoyable experience for all involved, and the building did not feel cramped or inadequate and no one said anything negative. But you guys raise very valid points. Now, if we can just get the administration to put in a new track..... Paul
Quote from: 78crusader on April 12, 2011, 04:19:40 PM
OK, Okinawa and VU72 have convinced me. My perception of the building was probably influenced by the fact that the day we were there for our campus visit, there were several very pleasant families there and we all enjoyed talking to one another. It was an enjoyable experience for all involved, and the building did not feel cramped or inadequate and no one said anything negative. But you guys raise very valid points. Now, if we can just get the administration to put in a new track..... Paul
I concure with your point. I'm afraid the track will however need a "champion", as it is viewed, correctly, as a desire rather than a need.
As long as we are talking about impressions, though, I have to say that is the very reason a new track is a need and not just a want. Forget for a moment that we have a track coach who has to recruit track athletes to compete without an on-campus track to train on, but instead has to rely on an old, windswept facility out in the middle of nowhere. I say this: just go to a football game and see how strange Brown Field looks without a track surrounding it. The bleachers were set back on purpose to accommodate the track. With no track there, the stands appear to be way too far away from the field. I hate to think what prospective students think about it. If Brown Field were an otherwise attractive facility, it wouldn't matter so much...but Brown Field, let's face it, is not an attractive facility. It needs help, and lots of it. And some of the improvements wouldn't cost that much money. I asked VU, years ago, to consider devoting some money toward landscaping north of the north stands, as well as on the west side beyond the end zone, but was met with empty stares and indifference. My point at the time is that maybe, just maybe, people attending a football game might want to look out at trees changing colors rather than the Porter County Hospital HVAC units. No response. Nothing. Things haven't improved since then, either, now that we have old, unusable tennis court surfaces to look at on the west side.
Anyway, I simply do not see how the administration cannot see the need for a new track and decide to get going and get it put in. Paul
Quote from: 78crusader on April 12, 2011, 05:17:08 PM
As long as we are talking about impressions, though, I have to say that is the very reason a new track is a need and not just a want. Forget for a moment that we have a track coach who has to recruit track athletes to compete without an on-campus track to train on, but instead has to rely on an old, windswept facility out in the middle of nowhere. I say this: just go to a football game and see how strange Brown Field looks without a track surrounding it. The bleachers were set back on purpose to accommodate the track. With no track there, the stands appear to be way too far away from the field. I hate to think what prospective students think about it. If Brown Field were an otherwise attractive facility, it wouldn't matter so much...but Brown Field, let's face it, is not an attractive facility. It needs help, and lots of it. And some of the improvements wouldn't cost that much money. I asked VU, years ago, to consider devoting some money toward landscaping north of the north stands, as well as on the west side beyond the end zone, but was met with empty stares and indifference. My point at the time is that maybe, just maybe, people attending a football game might want to look out at trees changing colors rather than the Porter County Hospital HVAC units. No response. Nothing. Things haven't improved since then, either, now that we have old, unusable tennis court surfaces to look at on the west side.
Anyway, I simply do not see how the administration cannot see the need for a new track and decide to get going and get it put in. Paul
having an actual track would benefit far more than just the track team. it gives the student body as a whole a place to run outdoors that's easily measured. from what i've been told, nobody really uses the "track" at eastgate b/c its asphalt surface is too harmful to the runners. and having run on it myself, i can say with certainty: it sucks! in rotc, we were finding ourselves having to bounce around everybody's schedule for our pt sessions, because the track in the arc was so frequently closed for one reason or another. it would have been nice to have an outdoor track to use as a backup on those nicer days.
I too think the track is a need, and as much as I want the Welcome Center, I would rather see a track first. It just doesn't make sense to put it off any longer!
As for Arts and Sciences, this building will be a wonderful addition to campus and should really give Arts and Sciences somewhat of a "home" like the other colleges. Look for some updated photos in a month or so when I stop by campus.
In terms of track, when I was on the team from 2000-2004, we would commonly train at Valpo High School, Thomas Jefferson Middle School, Ben Franklin Middle School, or go out to Washington Township School, to run on their tracks because Eastgate was a wasted space around the soccer field. The condition of it was so barren, with holes and spaces where the track had worn out, and wasn't usable for anything more than surrounding the soccer field. Does anyone have any specific idea of how much money was being raised initially to build the track, how much it will cost now that inflation has hurt this economy, and how much of either of these number hasn't been raised yet? Do they have any major donors in line, or a construction crew named to take on this task? The track is a major necessity, and I hope that when it comes to upkeep, the AD doesn't sit back and let the track fall apart, especially with it being a surrounding focal point of our field-turfed football/soccer field.
Quote from: vu72 on April 12, 2011, 04:04:02 PM
Quote from: okinawatyphoon on April 12, 2011, 03:56:47 PM
Quote from: 78crusader on April 12, 2011, 01:18:21 PM
What I don't understand is the administration's insistence on building a Welcome Center. To me, the current admissions building is fine. I think there are other, more pressing building needs than a Welcome Center. No one on this board has ever said boy, the current admissions building is a real negative for VU. However, many have pointed out our need (I list them here in no particular order) for a new science building, fieldhouse, dorms, and track. I would bet that when the administration took its survey of what people thought VU needed in terms of facilities, a Welcome Center was not even mentioned. Paul
I for one think a Welcome Center is essential. Think about this: A student's first impression of campus is KRETZMANN. It is a cramped, ugly building that is not very welcoming to families. There have been some improvements, but really it is a terrible first impression. Also, the building is bursting at the seams and there is not nearly enough room for the undergraduate or graduate admission staff, let alone the student aides. Current students and alumni don't see the need since they use the building so rarely, but prospective students and families are definitely impacted by it. How can we recruit more and better students when the first thing they see is so dilapidated? Fortunately someone else on the board seems to understand the need too.
He is on the money!! When you see the building I think you will really appreciate it. Not only prospective students, but also alumni who haven't been back in 20 or 30 years. When they drive in they don't have a clue where to begin. I'm told the building will have a museum quality exhibition as well as just a very welcoming aspect. I think it will be a great addition and probably modeled after successful and growing competitive institutions.
During graduation weekend, I was informed that the building of the Welcome Center has been scratched from the plans.
I wonder how long before plans are made for the ARC improvements and then scratched. It's a tough environment out there financially. Anybody got an extra $15 million for sports facilities? The answer is usually "no."
There were a lot of pictures posted of the new academic building on the valpo flickr page.
Quote from: bbtds on May 21, 2011, 09:34:37 PM
I wonder how long before plans are made for the ARC improvements and then scratched. It's a tough environment out there financially. Anybody got an extra $15 million for sports facilities? The answer is usually "no."
if i had $15m to donate, i would.
I don't think the Welcome Center is scrapped just yet. It is just progressing slowly.
Quote from: okinawatyphoon on May 22, 2011, 03:34:18 PM
I don't think the Welcome Center is scrapped just yet. It is just progressing slowly.
The two people who told me the building of the Welcome Center had been scratched from the plans would seem to know since they were among the officials involved in its planning.
So if the new Welcome Center is no longer going to be built, the question I have is...why? Paul
I think the main reason is that it went from a 1 million to a 7 million dollar project. I think it is just on hold for time being.
Quote from: vuweathernerd on May 21, 2011, 11:48:25 PM
Quote from: bbtds on May 21, 2011, 09:34:37 PM
I wonder how long before plans are made for the ARC improvements and then scratched. It's a tough environment out there financially. Anybody got an extra $15 million for sports facilities? The answer is usually "no."
if i had $15m to donate, i would.
Yep. I've always said as soon as I win the Powerball I will get that new Valpo basketball arena built. They can move Homer Drew Court into it.
I was by the Arts & Science building site earlier today, and just as last week when I passed it, the place was locked up and construction seemed shut down. It appears that progress on the building has become a victim of the union strikes in Northwest Indiana that began June 1 and still continue.
Didn't they strike last year around this time as well?
Quote from: okinawatyphoon on June 16, 2011, 08:18:02 PM
Didn't they strike last year around this time as well?
yep. put completion of uptown buildings 2 and 3 in jeopardy as well, if i'm remembering right.
I just heard that the union has reached a tentative contract agreement, which will be voted upon by the members soon. Therefore, the work stoppage could be ended next week.
Thanks for the update valpopal!
I was on campus for some business today and I took a photo of progress on the new A & S building. This picture is from the south side of the building:
Last year the unions were protesting that Uptown was using non union workers. That giant rat was interesting to walk out to in the morning...
I think the building is looking very nice!
oh, the rat. drove past that dumb thing many a morning, including when it was balls cold outside. but i'm sure it was nice and cozy inside the suit.
Here are a couple of photos of the new A&S building I took this morning. The first is from the northwest, and the second is from the southwest. Click on them for a larger image:
http://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/porter/valparaiso/article_54c35966-98e4-5e47-a804-925310bc5aa7.html (http://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/porter/valparaiso/article_54c35966-98e4-5e47-a804-925310bc5aa7.html)
As much as I want this project to be complete, it is a sad time as there will be no active construction projects on campus. Hopefully the new dorm will start soon!
Quote from: okinawatyphoon on August 17, 2011, 10:03:08 PM
As much as I want this project to be complete, it is a sad time as there will be no active construction projects on campus. Hopefully the new dorm will start soon!
Don't feel too sad. Construction on the new north entrance to the university has begun.
What's the latest on the Welcome Center??
Quote from: vu72 on August 18, 2011, 09:17:20 AM
What's the latest on the Welcome Center??
I have been told by two members of the university construction committee that the Welcome Center has been "scrapped."
Quote from: valpopal on August 18, 2011, 09:44:53 AM
Quote from: vu72 on August 18, 2011, 09:17:20 AM
What's the latest on the Welcome Center??
I have been told by two members of the university construction committee that the Welcome Center has been "scrapped."
Wow! Interesting. When President Heckler was in town he was all over this project as something the University really needed. Money, Money, Money or, the lack thereof.
Yes, it seems the plans for the Welcome Center near the student bridge have been "kissed off." Lack of funds seems to be the unwelcoming realization.
Quote from: valpopal on August 18, 2011, 08:53:24 AM
Don't feel too sad. Construction on the new north entrance to the university has begun.
Huh - where is that? Those look sort of like the Uptown apartments?
There was still some work ongoing, on the Uptown apartments or a nearby development, earlier this week. I wondered if it was meant to be finished before students arrived.
Quote from: valpopal on August 18, 2011, 08:53:24 AM
Quote from: okinawatyphoon on August 17, 2011, 10:03:08 PM
As much as I want this project to be complete, it is a sad time as there will be no active construction projects on campus. Hopefully the new dorm will start soon!
Don't feel too sad. Construction on the new north entrance to the university has begun.
Thanks for the update on the construction. Agibson, there is already a thread about the University Promenade project with some more information. Great to hear that construction has started. Any pics you could provide would be great, valpopal!
It would be great if we could get an update on this project! Below is a photo from the NWI Times from August 15.
(http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/nwitimes.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/ed/dedbb6bf-3497-5119-9c62-405c8d66cb43/4e49b8f74aa51.image.jpg)
I've heard some information about occupancy, etc. But, it was a while ago, and I'm a bit sketchy on the details!
For sure one existing building has been advised that they should plan to move into the new building during the academic year. Probably in the middle of the spring semester, maybe March was mentioned?
I think the other occupants may move in at a more leisurely pace, perhaps over the summer.
(Was it Meier, foreign language etc, that was going to move early? So that Meier can be renovated, and prepared for Education? With Miller, currently home of education, scheduled for... demolition? I probably shouldn't go this far out on a limb. My memory's a bit sketchy here - please take with a very large dose of uncertainty!)
Quote from: agibson on September 30, 2011, 01:22:05 PM
I've heard some information about occupancy, etc. But, it was a while ago, and I'm a bit sketchy on the details!
For sure one existing building has been advised that they should plan to move into the new building during the academic year. Probably in the middle of the spring semester, maybe March was mentioned?
I think the other occupants may move in at a more leisurely pace, perhaps over the summer.
(Was it Meier, foreign language etc, that was going to move early? So that Meier can be renovated, and prepared for Education? With Miller, currently home of education, scheduled for... demolition? I probably shouldn't go this far out on a limb. My memory's a bit sketchy here - please take with a very large dose of uncertainty!)
Yes, the suggestion at one meeting I attended was also what you heard, that foreign languages would move in during the spring break; but there was no certainty that could happen, and it might be doubtful. There are enough uncertainties, including the winter weather, that no decision can be made until we approach the spring break.
Re: "It would be great if we could get an update on this project!"
Here is an updated photo I took with my camera during Homecoming. I chose an angle at the front that allows one to see the connection to the library and the cross on the Chapel chimes in the background. This should have a little better definition than the previous iPhone pictures I posted in the past (click on the photo for a bigger close-up):
"http://i51.tinypic.com/69gtc8.jpg"
Terrific picture! Thanks for posting. The day looked beautiful as well!!
Thank you valpopal! Looks great.
that's a recent picture?? holy hell. thanks, valpopal.
Yeah, it's really looking great. According to a recent Torch article and quotes from Jon Kilpinen, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, the building is still on schedule to be completed in early 2012, with furniture being delivered in February 2012, and "the basic plan is to have faculty move as soon as graduation is finished in May."
Also, according to the article, the immediate shutdown and later demolition of Huegli and Miller is confirmed. It said Huegli and Miller are scheduled to be torn down in spring of 2013, with all power and utilities being turned off and the buildings closed until then.
If memory serves, the plan is to tear Huegli down already this summer, summer of 2012. Getting Meier emptied first is only a priority because Education is moving in, and I guess there's some prep (or renovation?) that has to happen in the mean time.
Edit: moved the pew discussion over to the chapel thread.
The facade over the front entrance to the A&S building is now up, and I think it looks sharp; though, it will be better when the snow and construction equipment are gone. A photo of the entrance:
(http://i42.tinypic.com/nyxkb8.jpg)
wow! very nice! can't wait to go back through campus this summer.
I like that if you look closely, you can see the building it is replacing, Huegli Hall, reflected in the windows of the entrance.
The word art looked pretty tacky in the renderings, but in the photos it looks decent. Can't wait for this building to be complete!
Quote from: valpopal on January 28, 2012, 02:59:55 PM
The facade over the front entrance to the A&S building is now up, and I think it looks sharp; though, it will be better when the snow and construction equipment are gone. A photo of the entrance:
Wow - I didn't realize that was even planned, let alone complete! Clearly I don't get to that corner of campus very often. I look forward to seeing it in person.
this project is mostly complete, and looks fantastic. more photos on the VU Flickr page.
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7127/7007419029_4fd43796e8_z_d.jpg)
Love it so far. I made my only pilgrimage to the campus in XX (many) years, but didn't get a change to really see this.
Great thing to show prospective athletes. Hope that's part of the visitation tour.
By now the building should be partially occupied, by the former occupants of Meier Hall (e.g. foreign language, economics).
Darn. Don'tcha think that with all these millions, they could find a few bucks to finish the dang track and spruce up the Brown Field stands and press box. :'(
The donor obviously wanted the money to go towards academics, not athletics. If someone wins the big Mega Millions pot on Tuesday night, something like $356 million, hopefully a Valpo grad, they'll donate a couple million for the track to be finished.
this building was not built with donations, from what I've heard. I think it was built with the sale of a bond or something.
I don't think any bonds were issued, but it's possible a loan was taken. i.e. that the money wasn't raised in advance, but that it has a mortgage that'll be paid from future fundraising, the general fund, etc.
another great shot from the VU Flickr page.
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7075/6852000726_5b9a470a1b_z_d.jpg)
Quote from: agibson on March 24, 2012, 03:18:40 PM
I don't think any bonds were issued, but it's possible a loan was taken. i.e. that the money wasn't raised in advance, but that it has a mortgage that'll be paid from future fundraising, the general fund, etc.
If that's the case, man, I sure wish they'd do the same for Brown Field, the track, the stands, and press box, landscaping, etc. My thought is that "if you build it (and tell the alumni that a debt has been incurred) they will donate." I know I would if the program was restricted and focused.
It looked pretty complete when I was on campus last month, and was very impressive.
Has ground been broken for the Welcome Center? Last time I spoke with someone in Admissions they were still picking an architect and reviewing proposals.
Quote from: vu72 on March 27, 2012, 12:13:19 PM
Has ground been broken for the Welcome Center? Last time I spoke with someone in Admissions they were still picking an architect and reviewing proposals.
The groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for April 28. Whether or not we'll see some work done before then, I'm not sure.
Here is a recent photo I took at sunset of the A&S building from the perspective of Christ College:
(http://i46.tinypic.com/2vimul2.jpg)
Excellent photo. I was wondering how the building looked from that angle. is there still a parking lot between CC and the new building or is it all grass now?
Quote from: okinawatyphoon on June 10, 2012, 02:45:53 PM
Excellent photo. I was wondering how the building looked from that angle. is there still a parking lot between CC and the new building or is it all grass now?
The parking lot is still there.
Quote from: valpopal on June 10, 2012, 12:46:57 PM
Here is a recent photo I took at sunset of the A&S building from the perspective of Christ College:
Ooh - great photo! And a new angle for me, too. I didn't realize it had a bottom-floor entrance.
I'm curious, how did you handle the colors in the photo? Was there post-production work? It looks a little like these "Take three photos with different filters/masks, and combine them in post production" deals that my brother-in-law is into. I forget the name of the technique.
Anyhow, very pretty.
Quote from: agibson on June 13, 2012, 09:55:37 PM
Quote from: valpopal on June 10, 2012, 12:46:57 PM
Here is a recent photo I took at sunset of the A&S building from the perspective of Christ College:
Ooh - great photo! And a new angle for me, too. I didn't realize it had a bottom-floor entrance.
I'm curious, how did you handle the colors in the photo? Was there post-production work? It looks a little like these "Take three photos with different filters/masks, and combine them in post production" deals that my brother-in-law is into. I forget the name of the technique.
Anyhow, very pretty.
The bottom-floor entrance is convenient for those who park in the lot between the A&S building and Christ College.
Thanks for the compliment. Yes, I'm into photography and the image is an HDR (High Dynamic Range) photo, which is what you seem to be describing as the type of pictures your brother-in-law also does.
Thought I would post some photos of the new building I took during the summer. It's a great addition to campus!
(http://i1291.photobucket.com/albums/b560/andrewzimmer06/photo.jpg)
(http://i1291.photobucket.com/albums/b560/andrewzimmer06/photo_5.jpg)
(http://i1291.photobucket.com/albums/b560/andrewzimmer06/photo_4.jpg)
(http://i1291.photobucket.com/albums/b560/andrewzimmer06/photo_3.jpg)
(http://i1291.photobucket.com/albums/b560/andrewzimmer06/photo_1.jpg)
(http://i1291.photobucket.com/albums/b560/andrewzimmer06/photo_2.jpg)
(http://i1291.photobucket.com/albums/b560/andrewzimmer06/photo_6.jpg)