2008 Woodie Awards
Summer construction brings a new look to many Smith buildings
Susie Chang
Issue date: 9/14/06 Section: News
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Over the summer while most Smith students were off-campus enjoying a relaxing break, Physical Plant was busy with a major makeover of the college campus. In addition to the ongoing renovation of the computer room in Neilson Library, many other projects were completed while students were vacationing.
This summer's renovation started with parts of Baldwin House, included the roofs of Talbot and Albright and even extended all the way up to the Quad for new bathrooms in Wilson and Gardiner. Additionally, the completion of Conway House now provides a new home for Ada Comstock Scholars and their families.
Administrative buildings were not left out of the widespread construction. While College Hall underwent massive interior changes, many residents were displaced. Offices were spread out to 10 different locations across campus including President Christ's house, Hopkins House, Unity House and Neilson Library.
Originally designed to accommodate the entire campus administration at the time of its construction, College Hall has since undergone numerous changes. While the building has stood for approximately 130 years, Smith's expansion and varying needs have altered the original purpose of many College Hall offices. Consequently, today only the president's office and the controller's office remain intact in their original locations.
This most recent renovation replaced the original steam heating system with a new hot water system. The team also installed a central air conditioning system to replace the inefficient window units. The renovation also added upgraded electrical and communications wiring, as well as a new fire alarm system with direct link to Public Safety.
Because of the construction, the Office of the Class Deans can now be found on the first floor, and the International Studies Office has been relocated to the former Public Safety office.
After stringent reviews of studies on student housing, the Housing Renovation Committee selected Baldwin house for a partial renovation that "had been promised and needed to be done," according to a Baldwin resident who wished to remain anonymous.
This summer's renovation started with parts of Baldwin House, included the roofs of Talbot and Albright and even extended all the way up to the Quad for new bathrooms in Wilson and Gardiner. Additionally, the completion of Conway House now provides a new home for Ada Comstock Scholars and their families.
Administrative buildings were not left out of the widespread construction. While College Hall underwent massive interior changes, many residents were displaced. Offices were spread out to 10 different locations across campus including President Christ's house, Hopkins House, Unity House and Neilson Library.
Originally designed to accommodate the entire campus administration at the time of its construction, College Hall has since undergone numerous changes. While the building has stood for approximately 130 years, Smith's expansion and varying needs have altered the original purpose of many College Hall offices. Consequently, today only the president's office and the controller's office remain intact in their original locations.
This most recent renovation replaced the original steam heating system with a new hot water system. The team also installed a central air conditioning system to replace the inefficient window units. The renovation also added upgraded electrical and communications wiring, as well as a new fire alarm system with direct link to Public Safety.
Because of the construction, the Office of the Class Deans can now be found on the first floor, and the International Studies Office has been relocated to the former Public Safety office.
After stringent reviews of studies on student housing, the Housing Renovation Committee selected Baldwin house for a partial renovation that "had been promised and needed to be done," according to a Baldwin resident who wished to remain anonymous.
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