The renovations are quickly approaching their end, and both interior and exterior areas are starting to look nearly finished.
On the exterior, concrete has been poured for many of the walkways, and the Portico is almost ready for the brick pavers that were donated by WMU alumni and friends. Grass seed has been spread, and in areas is starting to sprout. Rose bushes have been planted below the Portico’s retaining wall, facing Davis Street. The front entrance is being prepared for concrete, and double checked for ADA compliance. Soon, the west and east entrance doors will be installed.
The door on the east side of the building will be the restored original.
On the inside, the majority of the tile has been laid. Some rooms and hallways have received their final coat of paint, and in some areas, carpeting has been laid or is in the process. The restrooms have been tiled, but continue to lack any fixtures. Windows and interior doorways have been installed.
The grand stairway in the center of building will soon receive marble steps and the original railings (that have been raised to meet current building codes). Some areas feature permanent light fixtures.
The vault area on the main level has been covered with wood, and the cutout for the Interactive Storyboard is visible. In the library, the wooden coiffured ceilings have been completed.
In the next couple of weeks, the building’s heating and cooling systems will be fired up for the first time.
Grand Opening Celebrations for Heritage Hall, Home of the Alumni Center on Prospect Hill, are scheduled for Homecoming weekend, October 23-25. Save the date and stay tuned for more information.