Communications North set to open January 2019
BY: LAUREN JOHNS
Art & Life Editor
Shortly after Spring Break this year, the Communications North building was closed due to an asbestos issue.
The Assessment Center and classrooms were moved as a result, causing English classes to be scattered all over the campus.
“It was like one giant game of Tetris, looking at all the empty spaces and trying to find where things fit,” said Dr. Ame Mead, Dean of Arts and Communication. Due to the closing of CN, the relocation of classrooms was planned and discussed for months.
“There were several important factors,” said Dr. Janet Walsh, Dean of Science, Math and Health. “The Math Lab needed a certain amount of computers, so we decided on BA 201. The Assessment Center needed a specific number of desks and testing space so we settled on the second floor of the library.”
Prior to this, various meetings took place between the campus Provost Dr. Carol Lupardus, academic deans and contractors to plan potential renovations due to ceiling leaks and electrical issues. “We were already planning to redo a few classrooms,” said Walsh. “We want a more modernized, well-lit space, like the new lecture halls in Science West.”
According to Walsh, undisturbed asbestos is perfectly safe, but it was the renovations to fix the roofs that allowed the substance to become airborne.
“Asbestos is a fibrous like substance that can cause cancer if it enters our lungs,” said Walsh. “It was first discovered in the 1950s and was used in buildings for ceiling and tile construction since it was stronger than regular glue.”
Based on Walsh’s observations, the abatement (removal) process involved closing off the area with plastic on the doors and windows to inhibit the chemical from spreading throughout the campus. The workers had to wear masks with gloves and use a special ventilation system.
“As of now, the building has undergone successful abatement,” said Lupardus. “The next step involves moving furniture and getting IT in there. The first floor of the building should be completed by Jan. 11 with the second floor due for completion by early December.”
Despite the difficulties, Dr. Mead said she understands the benefit of giving students and faculty a new learning space. She said she worked with Dr. Walsh to decide which furniture to use and selecting a company from which to buy the furniture.
“We needed a good balance,” said Walsh. “We don’t wanna spend a million dollars on super fancy furniture or spend $100,000 and then have to replace it in a few years.” Walsh also hones in on how the furniture will follow the school colors: gray and blue.
“We want to add some pops of color as well, just blue and gray everywhere would get extremely boring,” said Walsh. “However, the walls will stay relatively simple: gray, light blue, or this creamy white color I have on my office walls called ‘Milkshake’.”
Dr. Lupardus said that the Communications North building will be the only closed building on this campus. At Florissant Valley a similar case of asbestos was discovered in their Social Science building.
Photos by Amanda Harris
