CLARION – Three major building projects are on the agenda for Clarion University in 2012.
The university has completed the feasibility study for a new natatorium, which will be attached to the current Student Recreation Center. The Recreation Center will also be renovated to expand the locker room area and add other enhancements to the building. University plans would have initially replaced and expanded the Waldo S. Tippin Gymnasium with a new facility, but the cost of a new building would have surpassed $60 million, exceeding the available funds.
The feasibility review of Tippin additionally found the gymnasium to be in acceptable shape after renovation took place, but the condition of the swimming facility and basement area had deteriorated too much for use in the future. Tippin will continue to house the gymnasium and support facilities, and the new natatorium, which will include offices and classrooms, will be built on to the Student Recreation Center.
Paul Bylaska, vice president for finance and administration, said the funds are allocated through the regular commonwealth capital funding process. For 2012, the capital building funds from the state were cut from $130 million a year to $65 million, to be shared among the 14 schools in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education. The natatorium project was approved before the reduction in funding.
Now that the feasibility study is complete, the actual construction design will begin for the natatorium project and Tippin renovation. Assuming expedient progress on the design, Bylaska expects construction to begin in fall 2013.
The second project is the renovation of Becht Hall. Becht has been used in various ways during its 100-year life span, including as a residence hall, dining hall, and a home for various programs and offices.
Bylaska said the goal is to preserve the historical aspects of Becht, keeping the exterior looking as much as possible like it did originally. Becht features Spanish/French-style architecture with a pantile roof, Spanish gables and light-colored brick. It was last renovated in 1994.
The current renovation is extensive. Clarion will be replacing the building’s wood frame with a steel frame, which will support its new functions and is not as susceptible to fire. Even though Becht is currently fully fitted with a sprinkler system, Becht ceased to be used as a residence hall because of the fire risk from its previous wooden structure and supports.
Becht will feature geothermal heat pumps which take advantage of underground geothermal conditions for heating in winter and cooling in summer. Bylaska said the Becht project will be the first introduction of geothermal heat pumps to campus.
When Becht is complete, which Bylaska projects for 2013, it will serve as a Student Success Center. Student service offices, including registration, admissions, financial aid, student billing, career services, housing, orientation, counseling and health services, academic enrichment, disability support services, student identification cards, student meal plans and parking permits, will be located there.
The renovation of Becht and construction of the new natatorium will both be done in accordance with LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification guidelines. Clarion University is committed to building all new structures for LEED certification.