At its February 2014 meeting, the Board of Governors accepted a bid of $750,509 from Lee Grover Construction Company of St. Joseph for an addition to Potter Hall and renovations to Wilson Hall and the Looney Complex. The Board had previously approved using reserve funds to pay for the three projects.

The biggest project is a one-story addition to Potter Hall, which houses the School of Fine Arts. A new percussion space and restrooms, totaling approximately 3,400 square feet, will be built, and existing restrooms will be renovated into office space. The project also includes the addition of a circle drive in front of Potter. Total bid on the Potter Hall work was $635,692. The project should be completed this fall.

“This project will address some of our most pressing facility needs,” said Dr. Bob Willenbrink, founding dean of the School of Fine Arts. “Our percussion students have been practicing for years in ‘temporary’ modular units, so I’m happy we can provide them with permanent space, and the new restrooms and circle drive will be much appreciated by the many people who come to Potter Hall for performances and exhibits.”

The Wilson Hall project included the renovation of restrooms on the first and second floor, repairs and upgrades to the HVAC system, and repairs to the exterior masonry and southeastern entrance. Wilson Hall houses the academic departments of Criminal Justice, Legal Studies and Social Work; Engineering Technology; and Military Science, as well as the Law Enforcement Academy, Campus Printing and Design Services and Y’s Kids World.

In the Looney Complex, the baseball locker room and men’s and women’s visitor locker rooms were remodeled. Looney houses Recreation Services, Griffon Athletics and the Department of Health, Physical Education and Recreation.

Work on Wilson Hall and the Looney Complex was completed this past summer.

There were also several changes on campus regarding food services, as well. In March, a new Java City opened on the first floor of the Blum Union adjacent to the Kelley Commons outdoor area. Along with its coffee options, that spot also offers smoothies and several “grab and go” food items.

The food court in the Blum Union was also remodeled this past summer, adding a Subway and WOK, which is a stir fry option; and a F’Real shake machine. The two new restaurants are replacing Quiznos and Caliente. The deli in Popplewell was also renovated and reopened this fall. Kathy DeWalt, ARAMARK manager, said that location will be similar to a convenience store, with self-service, but it will still offer hot breakfast and lunch items.

“It’s always good to have something new and different,” DeWalt said. “These changes will help fill some desires that we weren’t meeting.”