Tamonda Griffiths—News Writer
A new programming space is being constructed in the basement of Schwartz Hall, according to Director of Residence Life Robert DeMezzo.
The discussion to build the space, DeMezzo said, took place recently with Vice President of Student Affairs Tracy Tyree. DeMezzo said they chose to utilize Schwartz Hall because of the availability of space.
“We currently have the Farnham Hall Programming Space,” said DeMezzo, “but that’s frequently booked.”
According to Associate Vice President for Capital Budgeting & Facilities Operations Robert Sheeley, the project will cost about $375,000 for the 2,900-square-foot space.
“[The thing about] the programming space that we like is the exterior entrance,” said DeMezzo, “so you don’t have to walk through the lobby to get to the programming space.”
The space will be used to host programs and events for the entire residence life community, as well as the various clubs and organizations at the university.
People will have to request to use the programming space though, DeMezzo said.
Sheeley said the project began around the beginning of the fall 2018 semester and should be complete in three to four weeks.
“We ran into some problems,” said Sheeley, “that we didn’t anticipate, which we resolved, but they delayed the project a little bit.”
DeMezzo said he would like to utilize the space as quickly as possible, but will hold off on booking until the fall 2019.
Schwartz Hall, Sheeley said, is one of the oldest buildings on campus. He said rusted cast iron pipes were replaced before they became an issue, both economically and in terms of safety.
Inspections have been done by the Office of the State Building inspector, and everything has been brought up to code, according to Sheeley.
Construction has been a nuisance to students DeMezzo said.
“The construction did require a lot of like, drilling and removal of walls and such,” said DeMezzo, “which did create some noise. However, we did work with the contracts to make [sure] that happened later in the day so it wouldn’t wake up students.”
Programming and Outreach Graduate Intern at Counseling Services Mary Xatse said it is hard not to hear the noise from her desk in the Wellness Center, located in Schwartz basement.
“We know they’re like working hard,” said Xatse, “but it’s very hard to miss the fact that there’s construction going on.”
Clinical Graduate Intern Blaine Hudson said it can be disruptive not knowing when the construction will start.
“We’re very appreciative of what they’re doing, and we know that we can’t control everything,” said Hudson, “and these things happen, but yeah, it has been a little challenging at times.”
Photo Credit: August Pelliccio