Edna Work Wing, Hall receiving makeovers
Chadron State College’s Edna Work Wing and Hall have been undergoing a transformation this past year. The renovations which will give CSC honor students first-class living quarters are anticipated to be finished by August 1.
This is the first time the facility has ever been renovated, said Blair Brennan, CSC physical facilities coordinator.
The new residence hall concept was designed by Bahr Vermeer Haecker Architects of Lincoln. Fuller Construction of Chadron is the contractor.
“It was time to update the building because it had pretty much reached its structural limit,” said Brennan, “The mechanical systems were showing age, and the electrical systems were deficient.”
While Edna Work Wing required only basic maintenance— the piping was replaced in the restrooms and an air conditioning system was installed— most of the major work went into renovating the Hall.
The changes have included transforming the standard one-room arrangements with communal bathrooms into 50 suite-style areas which feature a living room between two bedrooms with private baths. Four students will be able to live in each suite.
This summer the original hardwood and terrazzo floors throughout the dormitory will be refinished, and a new heating and air conditioning system and elevator will be installed.
In addition, the rooms replacing previous bathrooms will be carpeted, and the lounge area will have a skylight, new windows and vestibule and will contain games and a television in place of the former atrium.
For security reasons, the area that connects the hall and lounge will allow workers at the central service desk a direct view of the Hall’s and Wing’s main entrances.
A commons area beside the elevator on each floor will contain a washer, dryer and trash chute, and the first-floor parlor will receive fire sprinklers and a new lighting and alarm system.
Exterior modifications will include an underground sprinkler system, graded walk and fire escape on the north side of the building.
The combined cost of both renovations was $4.275 million which was funded by revenue bonds that will be paid off with room fees by future Edna Work residents.
Edna Work will remain an honors dorm, but room fees will increase by 10 percent and rooms will be available on a first-come first-served basis.
The Hall was constructed in 1932 and was named for the college’s dean of women from 1917-1947, Edna Work. The Wing was added in 1959-60.
Category: Campus News