University President Teresa A. Sullivan announced at a press conference yesterday that the University has received $64.5 million in funding from the state to begin renovation of Cabell Hall within the next year.
Classrooms will be usable throughout the construction process, said Chuck Davis, project director with Facilities Planning and Construction.
"We will basically work on two floors at a time, so there will always be a buffer floor between the construction," Davis said.
Davis also said the construction will occur only during off hours when classes are not in session.
"We can't interrupt the classroom experience," he said. "We're here for the students and we're not going to impact the students' learning environment significantly."
The renovation of Cabell Hall has been a top construction priority, University spokesperson Carol Wood said in an email. State funding of the project was put on hold in February of last year because of the state's concerns about taking on additional debt. The University originally had requested - and been approved to receive - $80 million for the project.
The construction plans, however, may be unaffected by the smaller amount of funding received.
"This is not as much money as we asked for, but with the decline in construction costs, I am confident that we will be able to do it," Sullivan said.
The proposed renovation will replace the building's systems and all interior finishes, add meeting rooms and lounge spaces, and transform the experience of those teaching and learning in the building, Wood said.
The renovations also include a plan to use the courtyard between Old Cabell Hall and Cabell Hall as a gathering place, Davis said.
College Dean Meredith Woo said the construction will build on the work completed on the South Lawn project.
"My hope is that the renovations to New Cabell will provide another outstanding teaching and learning facility on Central Grounds," Woo said. "A new New Cabell will transform the daily teaching and learning experience of students and faculty in the College."
Sullivan noted the importance of the building as a mainstay on Grounds, adding that every undergraduate in the College takes classes in Cabell Hall during his time as a student.
Woo expressed her belief that the building is overdue for repairs.
"New Cabell Hall was built following World War II as a workhorse classroom building, and its 54 classrooms have been in constant use since the early 1950s with little change or improvement," Woo said.
Davis added there will be an emphasis on outfitting the building with a central air conditioning system.
"Right now, [the classrooms] have individual units that sometimes work and sometimes don't," he said.
Construction is expected to begin as soon as possible, but will take about four years to complete because major parts of the building will need to remain operational throughout the renovations, Wood said.
The approval of funding yesterday means that the University can start making plans for the construction schedule.
"By having this money now, we'll be able to make adjustments in a planned way, particularly with larger classes," Sullivan said.
Following renovation, Cabell Hall will house the language, literature and culture departments of the College.
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