University News
Corbin/Olson Renovations to Begin Fall 2010
January 25, 2010
MACOMB, IL -- Call it "Extreme Makeover: Residence Hall Edition."
As part of Western Illinois University's University Housing and Dining Services (UHDS) Master Plan, Corbin and Olson halls, two of the Macomb campus's longest-standing residence halls, will be completely rehabbed and renovated beginning October 2010. According to UHDS Director of Residential Facilities Matt Bierman, renovations and reorganization of the University's 10 residence halls are two of the primary focuses of the University Housing and Dining Services (UHDS) Master Plan.
As part of the plan, Wetzel Hall closed following the completion of the Spring 2009 semester, and with the start of the Fall 2009 semester, Tanner Hall, once an upper-division hall, was transformed into a traditional double-occupancy building that houses both freshman and upper-division students. Tanner is currently also considered an FYE (First Year Experience) hall.
Since the 2007-08 school year, UHDS staff worked to develop its master plan for current and future housing facilities. According to Bierman, the decision to take Wetzel Hall off-line and renovate Corbin and Olson halls first fit into the plan, as well as into the University's Master Plan.
"We are implementing changes and renovating facilities to better serve our students by providing outstanding, up-to-date housing options," Bierman explained.
The Corbin-Olson update, which will be funded through a bond issue, includes renovating the shared dining center and upgrading the heating and air conditioning system, plumbing, lighting, bathrooms and furniture. In October 2009, the Western Illinois University Board of Trustees awarded the bid for the architectural design work for the Corbin/Olson halls renovation project to FGM Architects, Inc., Oak Brook (IL), not to exceed $1.8 million.
John Biernbaum, assistant vice president for student services-student life, said the project will also include security and access control, as well as upgrading common areas and the Fine Arts living communities. In addition, an international floor, which was discontinued in Spring 2004, will be re-introduced as part of the renovation.
Biernbaum added that a programming study was conducted during the Fall 2009 semester, with Corbin and Olson halls renovation slated to begin in the October 2010. The entire project should be completed by Fall 2012.
Beginning in Fall 2010, the Fine Arts floors will be housed in Grote Hall on an interim basis, while the Honors communities will be located in Bayliss and Tanner halls.
Corbin Hall was erected during the building boom of President A.L. Knoblauch's tenure. The eight-story hall, named for Mabel L. Corbin, cost $2.8 million and was move-in ready for 800 female students by September 1962.
Olson Hall, once referred to as "Corbin's Twin," was completed in 1965, at a cost of $3 million. Named for Corbin's close friend, Blenda Olson, it housed 602 women. While still under construction, Olson Hall was dedicated Nov. 22, 1964, along with Corbin, Lincoln and Washington halls.
Blenda Olson and Mabel Corbin were hired in 1909 and 1910, respectively, by President Alfred E. Bayliss. Olson was the head of Western's foreign languages department during most of her 29 years at the University, while Corbin taught English and served as the Western Courier adviser for many years.
Design concepts, pictures and videos of the renovation will be posted on UHDS's Facebook page (@ www.facebook.com/WIUHousing), as well as Western's homepage.
Posted By: Darcie Shinberger (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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