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Campus looks its best for students

September 14, 2016

When Clarion University students returned this fall they were greeted by several completed construction projects, which have enhanced the appearance of Clarion University's scenic main campus.

The finishing touches of the Suites on Main construction project will be completely finished early this fall. The most obvious aspect of those finishing touches is the removal of Nair and Wilkinson residence halls and the completion of the parking lot where Nair and Wilkinson used to be.

The new parking lot has two levels. Jason Hendershot, director of Clarion University Public Safety, said the lower lot, which is closer to U.S. Route 322, will be utilized by commuter students. The upper lot can be used by any resident – not only Suites on Main residents.

The completion of the parking lot, along with some landscaping and cleanup, will conclude the Suites on Main project, said Michael Keefer, CEO of Clarion University Foundation, Inc.

"September will see the finished project," Keefer said.

Clarion University Foundation, Inc. is very satisfied with the results of the Suites on Main Project.

"I think it was a wonderful, collaborative project for everybody," Keefer said.

The two, four-story buildings replaced Nair and Wilkinson residence halls. They have the capacity for 728 students in 373 suites. The suites are a mix of single and double bedroom units. The facades have been designed to complement those downtown and retail outlets in the lower floors which include a classroom/movie theater, Starbucks, the Clarion University Store, and The Den by Denny's.

Clarion University Foundation, Inc. does not have any other construction projects on its horizon at this time, Keefer said.

In addition to the parking lot directly beside Suites on Main South, the parking lots above Suites on Main South were resurfaced this summer. These lots are used by commuter students and faculty, Hendershot said. Public Safety is now located above these newly resurfaced lots in the former admissions building beside Eagle Commons.

The Gemmell Student Complex also is in the process of renovations funded by campus Auxiliary Operations.

According to Chad Thomas, director of Auxiliary Operations, renovations include new flooring and furniture as well as freshly painted walls and exterior trim in Clarion University's branded colors.

Other renovations for Gemmell include:

  • New booths for the food court
  • Wall graphics for the upper level hallways and for the windows of the food court
  • Open collaborative space with computer work stations for students
  • A single use restroom
  • A lactation room for nursing mothers
  • Digital displays to showcase upcoming campus events
  • A gas fireplace in the upper-level rotunda area
  • A 70-inch television (also in the upper-level rotunda area)
  • Installation of a 4-foot-by-8-foot Clarion Golden Eagle on the rotunda feature wall
  • A lighted eagle on the exterior of Gemmell on the side facing Tippin Gymnasium

Thomas said the interior portion of the project should be finished by mid-September with exterior painting completed sometime later in the month.

The next major project for the university is Tippin Gymnasium, which according to Clarion University Associate Vice President of Administration Tim Fogarty, is in the redesign phase. The project is being funded, designed and constructed by the Department of General Services of the commonwealth.

 

Last Updated 1/11/21