As the College of Architecture, Art and Planning is about to begin construction of its new building, Milstein Hall, the relocation of the Rand Hall facilities and services looms as a major concern for the College.
Because Milstein Hall will be built in the space that Rand Hall currently occupies, the University has to find a new home for studio space, faculty offices, computer labs and classrooms. Currently, the architecture college is exploring various options, both on campus and in the downtown Ithaca area.
The school had hoped to begin the demolition of Rand Hall and the construction of the new building in the summer of 2002, but more recent estimates point towards the summer of 2003.
Despite the delay, John McKeown, project director for the College, remains optimistic that the University will find alternate studio space in due time.
He pointed out that the delay will give the College more time to explore various options for the two-year relocation.
“I feel that the new construction will reflect positively on the architecture program and the University as a whole. However, I would also like to walk through campus unimpeded at least once in the four years that I am going to spend here,” said Jonathan Rothberg ’04, a student in the architecture college, who is worried construction will affect him daily.
The school is hoping to find a location that fulfills the space requirements and is also convenient for students and faculty, McKeown said.
According to Jonathan Wood, deputy county attorney, there is no agreement yet between the University and Tompkins County regarding a downtown location and he said that it seemed unlikely that there would be.
McKeown added that an on-campus location is more appealing than a downtown one.
“Our hope is that we will be able to relocate most of the program on-campus so that students won’t be disrupted,” McKeown said.
Archived article by Sarah Willey