The back-to-school season just wouldn’t be the same without yet another construction project underway.
The humble beginnings of the Rev. Aloysius P. Kelley, S.J. Administrative Center are now visible, but the 20,000 square foot project will not break ground until spring.
The administrative center, located near the heart of campus between the track and athletic center, is slated to be a “one stop shopping center for students’ administrative needs, as well as an admissions center for prospective students,” said Ric Taylor, associate vice president for campus planning and operations.
The building will house the offices of undergraduate and graduate admissions, financial aid, registrar, housing and residential life, Stag Card, and student support services.
Currently, these offices are spread all over campus and Taylor acknowledges, “how inconvenient it is to get normal business done.”
The project is part of the 1995 master plan for campus development, and will cost between $7-$7.5 million.
Many buildings constructed within the past five years on campus, such as the Barone Campus Center, DiMenna-Nyselius Library, the Village Complex, and Bannow Science Center were part of this plan.
The plan was conceptualized after an architect appraised the campus to identify its needs and future and gave the project a 15-year window of construction and development.
It was under consideration to put the center in the BCC or at Bellarmine Hall, but these spaces were not large enough to accommodate the project.
“I think it’s a good idea, although the speed of the project is a bit slow,” said Joe DeMarzo ’05. “Having the building off of the grand boulevard will be a better welcome to campus for new students.”
Kate Poniatowski ’05 was positive about the project as well. “I think it will be much more convenient for students who need to get a bunch of important administrative stuff done at once.”
Currently, utilities are being brought on campus while architects continue to consult on the project.
During the winter months, the project will be proposed to the town of Fairfield in a public hearing.
In the spring, ground will be broken, and if all goes according to plan by mid-semester fall 2005, there will be a new and convenient administrative center to greet students new and old.
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