After the Admissions office relocated to the Kelley Center due to inadequate facilities and lack of space, Bellarmine Hall was renovated by the University. The courtyard’s renovation was the final step in the restoration of Bellarmine Hall that began in 2003.
The restoration process involved “re-pointing all the stone, restoring the slate roof, sealing the foundation and restoring the interiors,” said University President Fr. Jeffrey von Arx, whose office is located in Bellarmine.
The goal of the renovation process was to bring the building as close to its original appearance as possible.
Von Arx said, old photographs and original landscaping plans for the property were used as aids in this operation.
A large portion of the restoration was purely structural and done repair in the damage caused by serious leaks and other faults with the basic structure of the building that had never been dealt with.
Originally, Bellarmine Hall was home to the Jesuits on campus from 1942 until the early 1980s. Over time, several changes took place and it was not until recently when the original landscaping plans were found that the decision was made to restore the courtyard as close to its original design as possible.
Once spring arrives, the circular driveway will be beautified with plants similar to the original ones used in the courtyard.
In the wake of the new Kelley building on campus, Bellarmine has been able to revert to old traditions.
“It was not until recently when the original landscaping plans were found that the decision was made to restore the courtyard,” said von Arx.
The building plans will follow the authentic model. Gradual restoration of the landscaping will continue as the weather permits.
One original aspect of the landscape being restored is the Japanese Garden. The Japanese Garden sits to the right of Bellarmine Hall as you face the building.
The original plans for the gardens included three bridges, water flowing from pool to pool on stone runways, paths with lanterns and statues, as well as a replica of Mt. Fuji, which would be able to let off smoke through a chimney at the peak.
“It was quite a showpiece when the house was built,” von Arx said.
The landscape has historical significance as it was designed by a student of Frederick Law Olmstead, who was the landscape designer for Central Park in New York City.
The historical significance of the landscaping rests on the fact that it was designed by a student of Frederick Law Olmstead, who was the landscape designer for Central Park.
His designs for Bellarmine have it to become one of the most beautifully landscaped buildings on campus.
In addition to the beautiful building it has a spectacular view. As Kelly Young ’10 put it, “It’s the nicest place on campus to go to relax with the view of the Sound in the background.”
Overall, students at Fairfield are happy about the beautification of the old building.
“Bellarmine represents the history associated with Fairfield. In modernizing the structure we keep part of Fairfield’s past strong,” said Julie Cronin ’07.
Maeghan McLoughlin ’08 has a bright outlook on the renovations.
“Anything that adds to the aesthetic value of the campus is positive especially for visitors and prospective students,” she said.
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