Construction in Planning

From the Suter Science Center to Lehman Auditorium, from a possible renovation of Strite Auditorium to a necessary renovation of the older section of the Commons and even an official entrance and welcome center, construction has been deemed one of the highest priorities at EMU.

The project receiving the most attention from the administration is the science facility. Last weekend, architects and possible donors were led through the aging Suter Science Center around the puddles seeping from the leaking ceiling while listening to several professors discuss the needs of their departments. Three plans were considered, from a totally new Science Center to a new laboratory complex nearby to just renovating the old building. All plans would involve renovation of the old building.

According to chemistry professor Matthew Siderhurst, the chief issue with the Suter Science Center is both the age of its facilities and the height of its ceilings. For modern labs, a ceiling height of approximately 15-16 feet is required for the ductwork needed for fume hoods. The current labs only have 11 feet, making renovation impractical. President Loren Swartzendruber is also convinced of the necessity for new construction, as shown by his comments in the town meeting.

The architects also walked through Lehman Auditorium and had a two-hour lunch session devoted to work on that building. While there are no current plans on the table, President Swartzendruber acknowledges it as a "poor building," which needs work at some point in the future.

Phase Two of the reworking of the Commons was also discussed. The theater section of the building doesn’t meet current Fire Codes and requires work by June 2008. Again, three plans are being considered, including basic rewiring and addition of sprinklers, as well as two plans involving an expansion of the theater on one or both sides, possibly adding a fly space to allow raising and lowering of set pieces.

In the last town meeting, the construction of a formal entrance and welcome center was considered. The basic idea included landscaping and several signs extending along Mt. Clinton Pike towards its intersection with 42. The welcome center would sit near the entrance to Common Grounds.

There is also a proposal discussing the conversion of Strite Auditorium into more effective classroom or office space. There have been several meetings on the subject, though it is like the entrance system in that the proposal is in the very beginning stages of development.

Unfortunately, all of these proposals are also dependant on donor involvement. While the Suter Science Center proposal recently received a large donation, each of the other plans are effectively on hold until a donor steps forward with a large percentage of the proposed cost. They would also take an extended period of time to put into action after the money was raised. The Science Center, for example, has an estimated period of three to three and a half years to completion once sufficient funds exist.