From: Clarion University staff and faculty discussions [ALL-L@LISTSERV.clarion.edu] on behalf of Paul Bylaska [pbylaska@clarion.edu]
Sent: Friday, February 22, 2008 2:20 PM
To: ALL-L@LISTSERV.clarion.edu
Subject: [ALL-L] Construction Update - Venango Focus

For this week’s construction update, we will focus on Venango Campus.  This update has been provided by Executive Dean Chris Reber with the assistance of staff-members Debra Sobina and Jerri Gent. 

Please feel free to contact Chris Reber, Executive Dean (ext. 1350) for additional information about these projects.

Paul Bylaska

Vice President for Finance & Administration

218 Carrier

Clarion University

Clarion, PA 16214

pbylaska@clarion.edu

TEL:  (814) 393-2240

FAX: (814) 393-1826

Provided below is an update on construction projects planned for the Venango Campus this year.  The projects are almost entirely funded through donations and grants, and total cost of these projects is estimated to exceed $2.5 million.

West End Pond Restoration and Renovation

Work is set to begin in March on the restoration and enhancement of West End Pond.  Over the spring and summer, it will be returned to its original size and depth and enhanced with amenities to create recreational opportunities for students and the community.  These will include lighted walkways, a pavilion, picnic benches, a four-sided Victorian clock, a new bridge, a fire pit, plantings and others.  Dating back to the 19th century, the pond is an important natural resource for the Venango County area and is a treasured community landmark.  Funding for the restoration was raised from many external sources including the Venango County Commissioners through the Growing Greener II and liquid fuels tax program, the Samuel Justus Charitable Trust and related trusts, donations from Hank and Beverly Suhr, Nancy Cubbon, Libby Williams, National City Bank, and grants from Pennsylvania's Department of Community and Economic Development, the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), and others.

Additional Student Apartment Buildings

Construction is expected to commence in fall 2008 on the fourth and fifth buildings of the planned seven-building student apartment complex located directly across from the campus on West First Street.  A three-story building is made possible by Joyce and Mike Hughes, who have also funded Edward V. and Jessie L. Peters Hall and Michael F. and Joyce I. Hughes Hall.  A two-story building is funded by an anonymous donor.  The buildings will be ready for occupancy in fall 2009.  Both facilities, like the three existing apartment buildings in the complex, will be fully furnished and handicap-accessible and will include a kitchen, laundry facilities, four single bedrooms and a living room/dining area.  These buildings will bring total Venango student apartment occupancy to 92.  All of the buildings in the Venango apartment complex are funded through private donations and are owned and operated by the Clarion University Foundation, Inc.

Frame Hall and Rhoades Hall Renovations

Restrooms on the lower level of Frame Hall and locker rooms on the lower level of Rhoades Hall are slated to be renovated this summer

using Key 93 funding.