The Wesley J. Howe Center is a focal point of the campus, including fixtures like Pierce Dining Hall, the Bowling Alley, and many administrative offices. However, as the building ages, more problems arise due to out-of-date infrastructure and the lack of modern technology. To address these issues while maintaining the building as a hub for campus life, the Division of Facilities and Campus Operations has been working floor by floor to renovate the entire tower.
The Howe Center stands on the footprint of the former Castle Stevens, a Georgian manor of the Stevens family from 1854. However, following an estimate for renovating and maintaining the castle, the Board of Trustees opted to demolish it. In its place, a 14-story tower was erected. Since then, it has contained a student union, office spaces, classrooms, dining halls, cafés, a bowling alley, and a new tunnel to the UCC.
Given its rich history, the Howe Center also has some issues. Many harmful substances, including asbestos and lead, were still allowed to be used during its construction. Additionally, significant improvements in HVAC, fire safety, and audio/visual systems, such as projectors and intercom systems, did not exist at the time of initial construction.
One of the first significant construction projects for this round of renovations was remodeling the Taylor Boardroom on the 14th floor of the building. From there, the building received renovations on each floor, including the third floor, which was turned into classrooms.
According to recent email updates from the Division of Facilities and Campus Operations, the Office of Development and Alumni Engagement on the eighth floor is currently under renovation, and work is ongoing on the seventh floor.
The Stute spoke to some students to learn more about their thoughts on this construction. One first-year Civil Engineering student knew little about the project but was glad to hear that the building was being fixed. Another student, a member of the student government, understands why the work is happening but questions if there might be a better way to address these issues.
