Two historic founding buildings on the University of Oregon campus will receive a facelift thanks to new funds allocated by state lawmakers this legislative session.
University Hall (formerly Deady Hall) and Villard Hall are the two founding buildings of UO and are over 150 years old, according to an announcement posted on the UO website. Together, these two halls make up one of Oregon’s 17 National Historic Landmarks.
Because of their age, UO asked the public fund to renovate the rooms to meet U.S. disability law standards, improve heating and cooling systems, and make them more modern and modern.
Campus developments:
UO calls the improvement the Heritage Renovation Project. The Oregon Legislature Bill also earmarked bond funds at 15 other colleges and universities for investment projects.
“The UO has requested $ 58.5 million to renovate the halls of the University and of Villard, the two founding buildings of the university. These buildings are designated national historic monuments, and we thank the funding approved by the State for these renovations and the funds to cover the bond issue, â€spokesperson for the OU. Kay Jarvis said. “The total expected cost of the project is $ 64.35 million. The funding model for this project requires the university to provide a minimum match of 10% of the state contribution. For the heritage renovation project, the university’s contribution is $ 5.85 million.
These two buildings are known to UO students and professors for their dilapidation. University Hall, for example, does not have an elevator.
Two faculty members spoke of the need to improve letters submitted to lawmakers.
“As a professor who has ‘lived’ and taught extensively at University Hall, I know intimately the need for renovations to this building,” wrote Hal Sadofsky, dean of the natural sciences division.
He mentioned the “huge fluctuations in temperature†and inefficient energy efficiency that result from an outdated heating system and no cooling.
“We also teach and work in the summer, and I have seen sensitive students just having to leave the third floor classrooms in the spring and summer when the temperatures on that floor hit the 90s,” he said. written. “A few years ago, a faculty member walked into his office and found that his whiteboard had been broken due to the high temperature. ”
Other issues identified by Sadofsky were the lack of accessibility for all students and the necessary earthquake, fire and safety upgrades.
“Funding for this project would make these vital renovations possible and ensure that future generations can experience the birthplace of public higher education in Oregon,†he wrote.
Theresa May, associate professor and director of graduate studies for the theater arts, also submitted a letter encouraging lawmakers to fund the project.
“Our students deserve to learn, grow and develop their acting skills in an accessible and safe institution,†May wrote. “Villard Hall, like University Hall, is currently not accessible to all students. The doors are not of the proper height and width necessary for ADA accessibility. Hall spaces.”
Villard Hall is home to the OU’s Theatrical Arts program, and May noted that the program hopes to host in-person performances again in the near future, and without renovations it would invite them to “attend performances in a building. severely seismic deficient “.
“As an actress, I’m used to creating illusions, but it’s hard to hang disbelief in a dangerous space for our professors, staff and students,†May wrote.
Construction is expected to begin in early 2023 and projects are expected to be completed by the end of 2024, Jarvis said. The plan is to renovate both buildings at the same time, although this has not yet been planned in detail.
“Our current plan is to find temporary accommodation for all activities in both buildings,” she said. “The goal of every project on campus is to minimize the disruption inherent in any construction project.”
Contact reporter Jordyn Brown at [email protected] or 541-246-4264, and follow her on Twitter @thejordynbrown and Instagram @registerguard. Support local journalism, subscribe to The Register-Guard.
