Emery Wainscott
News Editor
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Facilities Management started renovation on Wilson and Wells Halls earlier this semester, which includes window replacement and structural repairs, among other reparative processes.
Director of Facilities Management Jason Youngblood said these two projects initially were started and partially funded in 2015.
“These two buildings are part of the original five buildings on campus and worth investing in to preserve for the University,” Youngblood said.
In Wells Hall, the workers replaced damaged mortar in between brick and stone, a process known as masonry tuckpointing. They also repaired the front steps and replaced the windows.
In Wilson Hall, only the windows are being replaced at this time.
Senior organizational communication major Hadley Purcell has two classes on the third floor of Wilson. She said the noise and temperature in the classrooms have been distracting.
“We have had to move classrooms several times due to the renovations, which is expected,” Purcell said. “But Wilson has been uncomfortably warm due to the heat being turned on plus the windows being boarded up.”
Originally supposed to happen over the summer of 2021, the window replacement project began in January. Youngblood said there were delays in the window manufacturing because the first order didn’t arrive until November–a month after the scheduled arrival–and some of the components needed for installation were delayed until January.
As a result, not much could be renovated over winter break, but Youngblood said as much as possible was done while the buildings were vacant.
However, Purcell said the window replacement project should’ve been implemented sooner.
“Getting new windows in Wilson is long overdue,” Purcell said. “Wilson is the second-oldest building on campus.”
As for future repairs in Wells Hall, Youngblood said Facilities Management hopes to be able to repair the porch leading to the entrance and to replace the entrance doors.
For both halls, Youngblood said they plan to replace the heating systems in the near future. If the Arthur J. Bauernfiend College of Business follows through with plans for summer 2022, Youngblood said Wilson Hall will be the site of interior renovations.
Phase II of campus renovations includes those in Lovett Auditorium. Wrather Museum will be receiving upgrades to the auditorium as well as electrical and heating systems replacements.
Carr Hall will receive a heating system replacement. Racer Arena will have a heating system replacement as well as new air conditioning.
Waterfield Library is planning to have the second phase of HVAC system improvements completed.
Sophomore public relations major Tori Pratt said the renovations can be very distracting, but ultimately she thinks they’re necessary.
“I agree with replacing the heating systems because the buildings can get really cold in the warmer months and then boiling in the winter,” Pratt said. “So being able to regulate that would be more beneficial, I think … I can’t wait to see what renovations they bring to the University.”
Youngblood said Facilities Management is working on plans to develop the Woods Park area, to improve the Chestnut Street pedestrian bridge and to conduct major interior renovations of the Curris Center.
“If the proposed state budget is approved, we could be seeing many more improvements for campus in the next few years,” Youngblood said. “We hope to be able to renovate Applied Science, Mason Hall and others as funding becomes available. There are many needs all over our campus from elevators, fire alarm systems, Americans with Disabilities Act needs … the list goes on and on.”
