Ground broken for Huber renovation, expansion project

A steady rain and bitter cold today (Oct. 16) didn't hamper celebration of the start of work on renovation and expansion of Huber Art Center.

Members of the campus community and others helped break ground to update and modernize the building that was originally the campus library when it opened in 1931. It remained the library for 37 years until Ezra Lehman <emorial Library opened and it became the home of the art department.

According to university President Bill Ruud, "This is the start of yet another project that helps Shippensburg University meet the needs of its students and faculty, and helps students prepare for an ever-changing 21st Century. This project, and the many other projects that we have completed or will soon start, symbolize the university's efforts on behalf of our students."

Huber Art Center renovation and expansion project background

• Building was built in 1931 and served as the library for 37 years before Ezra Lehman Memorial Library was opened. It was last renovated in 1970.
• Increases sizes of the existing art laboratories and adds student gallery and locker space. The floor plan layout is improved significantly and all mechanical, heating, air conditioning, ventilation, plumbing, electrical, and technology systems will be replaced.
• Provides a facility that allows the art department to meet academic program accreditation standards and extends life of the building for an additional 35 years.
• The completed project will provide approximately 6,000 more usable square feet than is available in the existing buildings. Completion is expected in Fall 2010 with it to be open for use in Spring semester 2011.
• The new addition consists of approximately 12,700 square feet and will be joined to the original building via a central glass enclosed tower.
• Project is funded with Commonwealth of Pennsylvania capital funding and augmented with some University funding at a cost of $5,728,000.
• Contractors: General: ECI Construction; Mechanical: Frey Lutz Corp.; Plumbing: Herre Brothers Inc.; Electrical:  Lobar Inc. and Designer: USA Architects
  
• Orienting the building on an east/west axis prevents unwanted solar heat gain and to capture diffuse daylight
• Use of horizontal shading devices diffuses the harsh summer sun
• Recycled materials, such as aluminum and metals which compose the majority of the new building, will be used
• Water use is reduced with low flow plumbing fixtures
  
• Products that are naturally re-occurring in nature, such as linoleum flooring made from linseed oils and other plant matter will be used
  
• All sealants, adhesives, and paints are to have low volatile organic compounds
• Wastes from construction will be separated and delivered to proper recycling plants, reducing the amounts that are diverted to landfills
• All spaces will have different levels of lighting for the comfort of the user and to prevent over lighting of spaces when daylight is available
• All spaces will have adjustable temperature controls for the comfort of the user and to prevent over heating or cooling of spaces
• The mechanical systems will be designed to function efficiently and to be controlled through our central energy management system
• Art Department faculty were involved in the planning and design of the building. The department commissioned studies on what was needed from a facilities perspective to assure future art program accreditation.
• In addition to a new Kauffman Gallery space, a dedicated Student Gallery space was incorporated into the project giving additional opportunity for students to display their work and gain experience in planning and putting on an exhibition.