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.
Clarion University is the high-achieving, nationally recognized, comprehensive university
that delivers a personal and challenging academic experience.