University News

WIU Summer Projects Scheduled

May 28, 2015

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MACOMB, IL -- From repairs on Sherman Hall's iconic bell tower to a new patio on the Alumni House, numerous summer projects are on the docket at Western Illinois University. Many of the projects will be funded by the University's deferred maintenance budget.

The Sherman Hall cupola (aka bell tower) has been in need of repairs for several years to ensure the longevity of the structure, including the replacement of columns, roofing material and a coating to renew the gold luster of the peak. According to Ted N. Renner, deputy director of facilities management, before the project could move forward, the University had to receive the green light from the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency as Sherman is listed on the National Historic Registry.

The repairs to the cupola consist of the removal of deteriorated wood and terra cotta materials, which will be replaced with resin composite materials. The resin materials will ultimately last longer and require less maintenance, Renner noted. The original materials, some of which dated back to the 1900s, will be replaced with period-correct-looking pieces, approved by Illinois Historic Preservation Agency to restore the grandeur of the symbol of WIU.

Bronze markers, complete with the history of the campus landmark and a photograph, will be installed at Lake Ruth, Wetzel Park and Sherman Hall. Other projects include the demolition of a deteriorating brick wall directly between the Malpass Library and Stipes Hall, and the abandoned "exit" tower at the Art Gallery.

Inside Western's many walls, wireless classroom upgrades will be completed in Stipes, Morgan, Waggoner and Horrabin halls, for a total of 30 e-classroom updates. New floor covering and paint will freshen up the Tanner Hall lobby in time for the Fall 2015 semester.

With a nod toward Western's sustainability initiatives, a bike repair station will be installed near the University Union and a solar powered charging table, which features solar panels in the table's umbrella, will be set up near the Dividends Cafe in Stipes Hall. Over spring break during the Spring 2015 semester, bike lanes were painted on campus and an electric vehicle charging station was installed in Q-Lot.

To complement the Western wall at the Alumni House, the north porch will be updated with a new patio and staircase. The project, which is funded by donations, will add to the "curb" appeal of what was once known as the Home Ec House, Renner added. In Spring 2015, Facilities Management replaced the railings on the east and west portions of the roof.

"There are a myriad of projects, repairs, renovations and upgrades that we would like to accomplish; however, funding comes into play with each project," noted Facilities Management Director Scott Coker. "Many of these projects are being funded by grants and other sources, which require adhering to specific guidelines for utilizing the funds. We review our list of repairs and other projects very carefully each year, and try to complete as much as possible with the limited amount of funding we have."

For more information on Summer 2015 projects, contact Coker or Renner at (309) 298-1834.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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