Roofing repairs, new windows and even added electricity are just a few of the improvements Park University saw completed over the summer.
According to a newsletter provided by the Park environmental services department, work began after the end of the Spring 2013 semester, where major improvements were made to Chesnut Hall. New windows, which are energy-efficient and ADA compliant, were installed to give the residential hall a facelift. New flooring, which will require little maintenance, was added to the building’s main entrance lobby.
“I really like the new improve- ments,” said John Bogue, freshman, about the Chesnut Hall additions.
To avoid a repeat of the history of power outages, according to the same newsletter, a three stage work process is also underway on campus to improve electrical issues and reduce the likelihood of future outages. The first stage has been completed; the second phase will begin soon.
Electrical upgrades were also made to Copley-Thaw Hall and Norrington Center to in- crease reliability and capacity.
Herr House also saw improvements, including significant roofing repairs and preservation of the building’s shell.
The fourth floor of Herr House also underwent remodeling to make way for Language Consultants International, which is teaching intensive English classes. This area now includes six classrooms and three offices with new furniture. The floor also includes a renovated men’s restroom and a new unisex restroom.
Three new lamp posts have been added around the Park University campus. The lamp posts are along the walkway between Findlay-Wakefield Science Hall and Norrington Center.
Thompson Commons Lounge also saw some improvements in furniture. New seating has been placed around the Pirate Grounds coffee shop, including tables, study chairs and soft seating. New doors were also installed in the Graham Tyler Memorial Chapel.
Construction that was done at Hawley Hall this summer included adding additional offices in the building. Additional offices were also added on the north side of the McAfee Memorial Library in the Mabee Learning Center/Academic Underground.
Through the “Hawley Shuffle,” according to the environmental services newsletter, the Department of Criminal Justice Administration is now located on the east end of the fourth floor of Hawley, while the Center to Advance the Study of Loss, and the Department of Social Work are on the third floor. Along with all the office moving, the Office of Assessment has moved to the Mabee Learning Center/Academic Underground and is located across from the Park University Bookstore.
New landscaping – complete with a watering system – and new LED lighting has also been added near and around Hawley Hall.
A new cooling tower was in- stalled over the Mabee Learning Center/Academic Underground and can be seen on the hillside south of Morden Road, or behind the Breckon Sports Center.
Finally, the boiler feed water tanks were replaced in Alumni Hall, which are part of the winter heating system for Alumni Hall, Graham Tyler Memorial Chapel and Copley-Thaw Hall.
Some of these improvements were made possible through donations to the university.
“The improvements are really nice,” said Aaron Laidler, freshman. “They were a good idea. I wish we could get better food, like a better food program, though.”
However, some students may have not noticed the improvements.
“They are okay,” said Adam Eden, freshman. “They just don’t really affect me all that much.”
