 "Photo: Courtney Stark")
Clark Hall is undergoing changes. Offices are being moved, floors are being torn up, and just like the Cafeteria commons area or Bookstore, a whole new look will be unveiled.
Approximately 12 years ago, during asbestos abatement, a process in which asbestos, often used in fireproofing material, was removed, the floors in the building were raised to create a space to run electrical wiring. Mike Cundiff, manager of admissions and records, said as time went on “the floor became a security risk..There were places where you could feel the floor bending beneath your feet.”
Cundiff said that being one of the most heavily trafficked buildings in the district, they have been pushing for a while to get this done and said he is happy to see it coming along.
The current floor will be replaced with carpeted tile, which can individually be removed and easily restored if need be. The building will also be getting some new lighting to go with the new floor.
Clark Hall houses admissions, registration, cashiers, student affairs, the access center and financial aid. The Admissions area (AD 110/111) is currently under the remodeling.
The office has been temporarily moved upstairs to room 224, the registration office, where operations will continue.
Staff members will be extending extra care to those students who need physical assistance. All students are encouraged to make appointments to diminish heavy foot traffic, but appointments are not necessary, said Cundiff.
More than just offices will be temporarily moving. The kitchen area will be transformed into makeshift offices, and staff members will be taking lunches and breaks away from the building. The remodeling will also prevent full access to the file room according to an e-mail sent to staff members.
Sue Daniel, coordinator of admissions, said “It’s kind of crazy with all of the shuffling around, but it will be worth it in the end.”
Fortunately, the biggest obstacle so far seems to be the excess of noise. Cory Higgins, general transfer student said, “It’s more noisy than inconvenient” and “[Clark Hall] wasn’t crowded.”
Daniel said the move has been successful and aside from the noise, everything has gone well.
The estimated $32,000 project, according to a construction worker, began on Feb. 4 and is scheduled to continue until March 22. Local construction company Raineri, founded in 2003, is heading the project.
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