For anyone who has stepped onto Stevens campus this summer, it appears as if every building, paved road, and flower bed is getting some extra attention. Students, old and new, will be benefitting from these numerous campus improvements come the fall semester.
Among the many ongoing projects, perhaps the most anticipated is the completion of the Stevens Gatehouse refurbishment. For those who can recall, the gatehouse, which is home to Stevens Campus Police, was damaged in April 2015 after an eventful rain and wind storm. Robert Maffia, Vice President for Facilities and Campus Operations, recalls walking out the doors of Babbio when a four foot by three foot portion of the tower fell out of the façade. “I was actually with our façade consultant for the Babbio building repairs,” said Maffia. “By coincidence, I had an engineer specializing in façades when the damage occurred to the gatehouse.”
Maffia expects that the gatehouse be completed by August 15, just two weeks before students report for classes. “There were many steps involved in the repairs,” said Maffia. “We needed to have structural engineers make sure it was safe for our Campus Police and we also needed to have architectural preservationists give specifications on the repairs.” The gatehouse, which was erected in the 1830s, was no simple project. Maffia noted that in order to make the proper repairs, photos had to be taken of specific stones to ensure that they were placed in the correct position when reassembling the walls. “When we made the repairs, we started seeing other areas that were compromised,” said Maffia. “It was our opportunity to make the necessary repairs along with the tower.”
Maffia is also excited to note the recent improvements to the Schaeffer Athletic Complex. “We noticed that the concession stand was not getting a lot of action, and we weren’t pleased with the use of the space,” said Maffia. Although it has been somewhat inconvenient entering the building via the North entrance below the bleachers, students will be pleased to see the energy-efficient LED lighting and plentiful seating space in the lobby of the center. “The space will be more inviting and a place where students can just crash and do some studying,” said Maffia. He expects these improvements to be complete before the beginning of the semester.
There are also numerous improvements and additions within the academic buildings. Lisa DeMarco, Project Manager, has been responsible for overseeing the addition of the second Hanlon Financial Laboratory in the Babbio Center as well as the renovations in the Edwin A. Stevens building and Morton 203 Art Studio.
“There has been significant growth in the financial department,” said DeMarco. “We wanted to accommodate more students, so there need [for another lab] was there.”
The second Hanlon lab will feature state-of-the-art technology, but will match the colors and finishes of the original lab located on the fourth floor. “The idea is to still run the same courses that already occur in Hanlon 1,” said DeMarco. “The growth [in the department] will follow.”
The second Hanlon lab is expected to be complete by August 26. “There have been no set backs at this point in time,” DeMarco remarked. “The contractor has been working extremely well with everyone here.”
In addition to the Hanlon Lab, DeMarco has also spearheaded the improvements to several EAS classrooms, including 229, 229A, 231, and 330. Most of the improvements are cosmetic, however EAS 330 will have a new orientation, with five rows of fixed seating, large whiteboard space, and a whiteboard capture camera, which, according to DeMarco captures whatever information is on the whiteboard and “throws” it onto the other walls for students to see at all angles.
Morton 203, the Visual Arts and Technology student haven, will also be getting some revitalization this summer. According to DeMarco, the heating system has gone airborne, allowing space for a butcher-block counter tops and versatile, moveable work stations. A new lighting system will also allow students to work in “zones,” therefore allowing multiple types of lighting to be on at one time.
In terms of energy efficiency, DeMarco and Maffia are pleased with Stevens’ efforts. All renovated classrooms are installed with occupancy sensors and high-efficiency LED fixtures in an effort to use less energy. According to Maffia, Stevens was recently awarded a Silver Star award by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education, a notable achievement for a university that is new to the organization’s recognition list.
There has also been a major addition to one area on campus that all students have known at one point in their career: Pierce Dining Hall. Lauren Devine, Marketing Specialist, is excited to announce the anticipated opening of the Pierce coffee café.
According to Devine, Colonel John’s will no longer be selling grab-and-go items; instead, the coffee café will be serving a slew of items ranging from coffee drinks to smoothies to grab-and-go items. “We thought this would be easier for students and faculty,” said Devine. She describes the café as a “different” idea that coincidences with all of the recent improvements to Pierce Dining Hall.
The café will be open throughout the week and will be a part of students’ meal plans. The expected completion of the café is August 29, the first official day of the Fall 2016 semester.
The summer months continue to pass quickly, yet Stevens continues to be busier than ever. Whether sitting in a freshman Calculus class in a newly-refurbished EAS building or getting a pick-me-up at the new Pierce coffee café, students will be pleasantly surprised to see the many ways these improvements add to an already impressive campus life.
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