Renewing of Michael Hall Continues
$15 Million initiative almost reaching completion.
Renovations continue on Michael Hall that will see a massive renovation project reaching completion this summer. The $15 milion initiative began on July 1, 2009 when work on the building's new elevator and entrance started.
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| Original Outside View of Michael Hall | New Front of Michael Hall |
Work continued on throughout Michael Hall (St. Peter's College's main building) replacing pretty much everything except the foundation. Renovations started with the basement and fourth floor replacing old plumbing and sewage lines, electrical and mechanical systems. Bathrooms were also replaced top to bottom, and new windows (over 200) were installed in this phase of the construction.
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| Trenching the Basement | After the renovations |
The dining area also got a facelift.
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| Dining Old Style | A Fresh New Look |
In late August of 2010 the staff undertook a massive move vacating the offices, classrooms, science labs, student lounges and staff lounges on the first and second floor to newly renovated (although temporary) space on the fourth floor. Students and staff alike were housed out of the 4th floor and 3rd floor classrooms.
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| Temporary Student Lounge on the 4th Floor | New Classrooms on the 4th Floor |
The science labs were also completed by this time (in the basement) and the faculty and students enjoyed a full year in the new labs.
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| Old Chemistry Lab | New Chemistry Lab - Look at those fumehoods! |
In March of this year the staff was finally able to move down to their permanent homes on the first floor. This floor boasts of a new library circulation area, large student lounge areas, break out rooms, IT support and computer lab, main reception, councilor and student support services, new bathrooms and a shared faculty office.
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| Old 1st Floor Hallway | Renovated 1st Floor Hallway | New Main Reception Desk |
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| The New Student Commons - Lounge, |
Store and Eating/Study area |
Work continues on the second floor which will be finished by the end of May. The second floor will include administration and executive offices, a board room, staff/faculty lounge, one large classroom and multi-purpose meeting rooms. The third floor, where demolition is almost complete will house eight various sized classrooms, and is expected to be completed by this summer.
The massive size of the project is beyond comprehension until you see it for yourself. "It is especially fun to take alumni on tours of the newly renovated spaces and listen to them marvel at the extent of the renovations," said Project Manager, Jennifer Fafard, "especially those that were intimately familiar with the aged labs, the boiler system that was either too hot or too cold, or the 3-paned windows that you could barely see out of." Michael Hall is open to the public and guided tours are available during regular business hours. Says Fafard, "Please make a point of stopping in and visiting us this summer. You will be pleasantly surprised."
