In a few weeks, the long-awaited renovations on the Customs House, Cain Coaches' offices, and the Hynson Lounge will be complete. These renovations, ranging from new wood to new paint to new bathrooms are being made to accommodate students, faculty, guests, and other various visitors who come to the college.
According to Reid Raudenbush, Director of Physical Plant for Buildings and Grounds, the Customs House - a historically significant port of entry during colonial times - was rented out as an apartment to residents. Now, it will be used as office space for two new foundations.
"The C.V. Starr Foundation has given WC maybe $5 million over five years to create the new foundations," said Raudenbush. "The Environmentally Centered Foundation and the Study of American Experience will have this new office space."
The approximate cost of renovating the Customs House is $1 million, but it is well worth the money.
"The Customs House is going to look great," said Raudenbush.
"There's a new roof, painting, heating, electric, bathrooms and more. We also built an entirely new structure attached to the house with an elevator to make it more accessible to the handicapped."Raudenbush added, "We have saved and upgraded one of the most historic properties in the country. It is a one of a kind building."
Another major renovation is that of the coaches' offices in Cain Gym.
The previous upstairs space, which overlooked the basketball court, which used to house visiting teams staying overnight, will now be made into several offices for the athletic coaches."The area wasn't used much and it was basically a waste of space," said Raudenbush. "As the college has grown, so has its need for coaching staff who need office space."
Dr. Louis Stettler, Senior Vice President for Finance and Management, also played a huge role in the success of the renovations and is pleased.
"The need for office space has increased just as the number of coaches has increased," said Stettler. "We wanted to have something presentable and bring all the coaches together to a place where they can comfortably talk to student-athletes."
Bryan Matthews, Director of Athletics, also commented positively on the new offices: "The working conditions for our coaches will be significantly improved and it will also improve access for our student-athletes to meet with their coaches."
Eleanor Shriver, head coach of the women's soccer and lacrosse teams, added, "The new office space will put a polished look on my recruiting effort on campus."
The renovations for the offices include new heating and cooling, windows, birch doors, and carpeting, totaling an estimated cost of $250,000.
Raudenbush also added, "Our coaches have been tucked away into little nooks and crannies. These new offices will be very beneficial."
Also undergoing major changes is the Hynson Lounge. Dr. Stettler commented on the renovations: "[Hynson Lounge] got shabby. Outside visitors, board members, and guest lecturers all visit the college, and we want to show off a good part of the college."
Raudenbush said, "A small piece of the main room will be separated with paneling and French doors to provide a private dining area for visitors."
The renovations, which include a new barrel-curved ceiling, chandeliers, molding and trim, and all new bathrooms next to the main dining area, will provide a much more pleasant atmosphere for various events, lectures and large dining events.
Raudenbush added, "The cost of Hynson Lounge renovations will sum approximately $250,000, plus the cost of furniture which is another $50,000.
We're hoping to have it completed by the first week in April."A big question leading up to the renovations involves the funding for these expensive changes and additions.
Dr. Stettler said, "We set aside a good part of the capital fund each year and use the money for the renovations. Also, all the foundations and people who donate monetary gifts generate more income."
There are several people credited with the success of the renovations.
"The Board of Visitors and Governors approve the buildings projects," said Raudenbush. "Everything flows from them."
He continued: "Dr. Stettler and I did the leg work, bid the contractor, and got the prices. David Burton, Chair of Buildings and Grounds Committee for the project, Dr. Toll, and Joe Holt are also responsible. These are the people who make things happen. They deserve the credit for taking the idea and making it real."
As for future renovations, Raudenbush and Dr. Stettler agreed that Queen Anne's House will be the next major project for remodeling after commencement.
"As a physical plant person, I'm always happy to see money used to renovate places," said Raudenbush. "As long as money is spent to upgrade buildings, I'm happy."
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