Only a quick glance around our campus right now would allow anyone to observe the plethora of construction that is characterizing this landmark year in Stevens history. Those who have lived on campus or traversed it for years now will also remark at the clear absence of past buildings and the addition of new ones.
Over the summer, the aging Jacobus Hall was torn down along with its close neighbor, Hayden Hall. For decades, these two buildings served not only as focal points for student life, but also as fixtures of our campus culture. Their replacement, the upcoming University Towers, will have to fill the shoes left behind by these buildings. According to Vice President of Facilities Bob Maffia the new 70,000-square-foot University Center will be a “marked improvement for the functions previously located in Jacobus Hall,” and a “central point for students, faculty, and staff to connect.” As part of the plan to “enhance the sense of community on campus,” the new towers will provide beds for undergraduate students.
Effects of this construction have been felt by virtually everyone in the school community, with the impact on students being particularly heavy. Luckily, the damage to student convenience was anticipated by our facilities department, who sought to minimize it as much as possible. Maffia emphasized that they have “focused greatly on reducing the effect of construction any way we can,” adding that they “[tried] to schedule as much work as [they] can during the summer months” while most students are away.
Moreover, pedestrian safety is labeled as a prime focus during our bout of construction. Not only have appropriate roadblocks been placed around Babbio Center, but an entire new sidewalk was built to connect Castle Point Hall with the rest of campus. The Student Government Association requested this project to allow students to safely travel around the north side of campus, as the alternative was walking through the street.
While the new University Center, which will house many of the student-facing administrative offices, is underway, the daily workings of Student Life will be relocated to the refurbished Alexander House, which is located between Humphreys Hall and Castle Point Hall. Modern amenities like an elevator, gaming room, lounge, club storage space, meeting rooms, and office space for select student organizations are being incorporated into Alexander House. There will also be provisional space for a new Intercultural Center!
The anticipation for all these new buildings is palpable, but that does not stop delays from popping up. Stevens encountered a vicious malware attack recently which prompted a system-wide IT shutdown. The effects rippled into every facet of the university and continue to this day. The construction projects were no exception. Vice President Maffia noted “communication challenges” as a result of the attack.
Looking forward, dozens of projects, large and small, line the road ahead. Each poses its own set of unique conditions and challenges.
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