PHOTO: STEVEN STUTZ/ THE BONA VENTURE
Renovation ongoing in the basement of Plassmann, Sept. 16, 2022
BY HADLEY THOMPSON, NEWS EDITOR
Plassmann Hall, a key point in every undergraduate academic experience, is undergoing nearly three million dollars worth of updates. These renovations consist of reconfiguration of the basement, second and third floors. Faculty offices will be moved out of the basement to the same floors as classrooms, while more classrooms will be added to the basement. “Some of the highlighted items include new windows, new HVAC [heating, ventilation and air conditioning] system, new modern classrooms, new furniture, new faculty offices, new fire alarm and fire sprinkler systems,” said Jared Smith, director of Facilities and Operations at St. Bonaventure.
These renovations are needed to keep up with the demands of modern-day classroom instruction and create more flexibility throughout the building said Smith.
The plumbing, heating, cooling, ventilation, and electrical infrastructure are 60 years old. Plassmann has had some minor renovations over the last six years in specific areas, the building has never had a widescale renovation.
Junior adolescent education major, Faith Pingie, spends most of her class time in Plassmann. “I would like to show some importance in the School of Education, not that the base of the school is in the basement. Something like Swan, that shows its importance,” said Pingie.
Mary Rose Kubal, professor of political science, noted that her temporary office is an upgrade from her previous office. “The issue with the basement was that the office space was generally cramped and a bit oddly configured and some offices had no windows which was depressing,” said Kubal.
“My office had exposed pipes and one of the windows wouldn’t open. Even though the administration claimed that the ventilators in the classrooms were working during COVID, they are rarely running when I teach, which means we definitely don’t have proper ventilation in the classroom and office areas,” said Kubal.
Josiah Lambert, professor of political science, said that he has expectations for renovations. “I hope to see a modernization of Plassmann including air conditioning and new heat. I also hope they add a gathering room for faculty who bring their lunches or want coffee,” said Lambert.
Smith, the director, said that the Master Planning Committee meets regularly to ensure the prioritization of the facilities that need the most upgrades. He hinted that the next building to receive updated facilities would be the Jandoli School of Communication.
“St. Bonaventure University is committed to renovating and updating buildings to keep up with the demands of the modern-day campus experience,” said Smith.
thompshp20@bonaventure.edu
