Demolition of Russell Hall Underway
LOCK HAVEN – Russell and Gross Halls, two iconic buildings on the campus of Lock Haven University are being removed as part of LHU’s University Commons Project.
Russell and Gross Halls have been undergoing a destruction that looks like the aftermath of a WWII blitzkrieg this summer as part of a project started at the end of the spring semester. The intent is to create more green space for students, faculty and staff to use for activities and events throughout coming semesters.
According to Keith Roush, Director of Facilities for Lock Haven University, “The decision has taken a few years to plan. With the addition of the Fairview Suites, we created the opportunity to remove two residence halls from campus that were deteriorating. We could also add an administrative suite with some of the excess space being created.”
Roush continues, “The structural integrity for Russell Hall did not match the integrity required to install offices, forcing us to remove the building entirely.”
The green space will include two pavilions as well as more sidewalk space for easy travel through Ivy Lane.
The overall project will be conducted in two phases. Phase one is removal of Russell and Gross Halls, and begin the creation of the University Commons. Phase two will be the demolition of Sullivan Hall as well as the completion of the green space.
Roush said, “The administrative faculty will be moved out of Sullivan by this year, allowing us to start phase two and end by finishing the green space in place of Sullivan. Removing Sullivan will create the potential opportunity for an outdoor amphitheater, as well as another pavilion.”
The overall funding for the project came from plant funds, which is student tuition money that gets set aside for special projects, as well as funds from donors.
By the end of June, the public can expect to see both buildings removed; however, the project will take at least a year to complete.
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