CN set to reopen this spring with new roof, modernized interior design:
BRIANA HEANEY NEWS EDITOR
Colorful furniture, bright spaces, brilliant tile floors, and, most importantly, no more asbestos — all of these are renovations that will set the new Communications North building apart from other Meramec buildings. The building officially closed in December of 2017 after asbestos and toxic paint were discovered to be jeopardizing the health of students and faculty. “We had closed it two or three times that academic year; twice was because of asbestos and the other time was because some material that was painted on the wall that was toxic,” said Carol Lupardus, Campus Provost for Meramec. After nearly a year and a half of renovations, the building is almost ready and set to open around spring break. “I’m very, very proud of the new building. I think students, faculty, and staff are going to enjoy the new space,” said Lupardus. When the building opens, many classes — predominantly those that are part of the communications or English department — will be moving back into the building. The math lab and access office will be moving back as well. “We hopefully will have a reception when it opens. That will be sometime during the spring semester, so we will invite some people in to see the space and the new furnishings” said Lupardus. Professor Chris Smejkal is one of the teachers set to move his classes back into the Communication North building. “I cannot tell you how excited I am,” said Smejkal. The Department of Communications and the English Department has been highly active in seeing the changes to the building. Despite the renovations taking longer than scheduled, Smejkal said he has faith that it will be ready come spring break. “You have to be understanding about something like this. It’s never a convenient thing,” said Smejkal. “The tradeoff is basically a brandnew building with top notch tech and everything. It’s going to be like teaching in a whole [new] place.” The building will be both safe and beautiful, said Lupardus. While the floor plan has stayed the same, the entire interior design has been modernized and a new roof has been added. “I cannot express enough appreciation for the flexibility and the cooperation of faculty, staff and students,” said Lupardus.
