Construction continues on the interior and exterior of the Alumni Center, and all around Prospect Hill.
The old driveway off Oakland Drive to lot #2 continues to be filled with dirt and graded for landscaping. The plastic sheeting has been completely removed from the building, and the scaffolding has begun to come down as well. Masonry work continues on the building, including the portico plaza retaining wall, which is currently covered with plastic (as shown in the photo above).
From the bottom of the hill, on Davis Street, work on the east side of the hill can be observed. The above image was taken at Davis and W. Walnut Streets in the Vine Neighborhood.
The hill itself has been cleared of brush and is being prepped for landscaping and grass. The removal of scaffolding from the east face of the building displays the new windows and some masonry repairs, but the restoration on this side is still not yet complete.
The north and south enclosures (which will house restrooms, the elevator, stairwells, and storage) can also be viewed in varying stages of completion. The North enclosure has already been bricked over, and the south enclosure will soon see its permanent façade as well. The cupola is also in the process of being restored.
Inside the building, dry walling nears completion, and some of those walls are beginning to see their first coats of paint.
A Peek at the Library
The images above depict elements of the library, which will also be known as the 1903 Room:
Top Left: An early rendering of what the 1903 Room will look like upon completion. Note that several elements have changed over the course of construction such as furniture and carpeting.
Top Right: The fireplace salvaged from North Hall is being re-installed in the Alumni Center as the focal point of the room.
Bottom Left: As featured in the previous update, carpet and paint samples for the library.
Bottom Right: A rendering of the first floor showing the 1903 Room/ library to the bottom left, highlighted in brown (the south east corner of the building). The pink area within indicates placement of the fireplace.
The view from the library faces east, overlooking Prospect Hill, the Vine Neighborhood, and Downtown Kalamazoo in the distance.
Once complete, the Library will house the literary works of alumni and other campus members and feature café style tables as well as upholstered seating surrounding the fireplace. The room will be open to the public for quiet conversations, and may also be reserved for small, casual events.
To learn more about the Alumni Center on Prospect Hill, and how you can get your name on the building, please visit MyWMU.com/AlumniCenter.