NEWBERRY — New library facilities, new residence halls and new sporting facilities are among the features of the campus master plan developed by Newberry College.
The plan, which will be implemented over the next 10 years, came as the result of a thorough planning process involving the college community, the City of Newberry, and professional architects.
Dr. Don Taylor, executive director of the Office of Institutional Effectiveness, was involved in the development of the master plan.
Taylor says the plan was developed in three phases. In the first phase, the college hired a firm that specialized in college campuses. This firm conducted a thorough survey of the campus to determine areas that needed improvement. In the second phase, architects developed solutions for the areas of concern found by the survey team. The third phase involved a series of “town hall meetings” during summer 2011. Members of the college community and the people of Newberry were invited to view the proposals and give their input.
The campus master plan has several features. One is called a “precinct plan,” which allows people to use mostly inside access to get from one building to another in bad weather conditions.
The time line will start with smaller projects and work toward larger projects over the 10-year period. This is meant to build anticipation, as students and the community see gradual changes over the years and look forward to what’s to come.
The first two years of the plan envision modifications to Evans Street, changes to the quad, and a women’s soccer field.
Eleazer Arena will be renovated, with additional locker rooms added. A senior village will be created on campus, and the softball and soccer fields will be relocated. MacLean Gymnasium will be converted to a student center.
During years two through five of the plan, Holland Hall will be renovated and tennis, wrestling and track facilities will be added to Oakland Mills. Kaufmann Hall will get an expanded kitchen. Modifications to Luther Street will be designed and implemented. The first phase of the Greek village will be constructed.
In the remaining five years of the plan, a new hub facility with an arena will be constructed, and Brokaw Hall will be replaced. The plan also envisions a new library building. The Speers Street school project will be complete by this point.
Some parts of the master plan are already in place, or have been completed. Renovations have been made to the Alumni Music Center, and map signs have been installed around campus. Kaufmann Hall has had some improvements, including a Subway sandwich shop in the student lounge. Television monitors have also been installed around campus to provide information to students.
“We want to attract students and give them and the community a place that they will enjoy for a long time,” Taylor says.
Post a Comment
