Deconstruction on the Cunninghams (Hams) began alongside the beginning of the 2014 fall semester. The project for the Hams has taken underway, as it has been fenced off from the public, in preparation for the Upchurch University Center.
The University Center construction plans began in 2011, thanks to Mrs. Elsie Upchurch making the opening commitment to the center. The 1943 Longwood Alumna gave Longwood’s largest university gift of $4 million, making the upcoming student center possible.
The University Center’s visual layout has already been revealed, as well as announcements on the matter made at the Aug. 24, G.A.M.E., the annual pep rally.
At the moment, the Hams halls are being cleaned out in preparation for the demolition of the residence dorm rooms, where the main room of the Cunninghams will become the student center.
“What’s going on with the Cunninghams is [they’re] working on clearing it out now, cleaning it out,” said Director of Communications and Media Relations at Longwood, Matthew McWilliams,.
The Cunninghams dormitories will be converted into a Student Union-like center where there will be more space, demolition has not begun just yet on account of concerns for students’ safety, also deconstruction may take longer than initially expected. Dates have not been specified and deconstruction may take longer than expected.
Students’ safety, as well as weather issues can pose delays to dates.“The main thing is the safety of the students. Their feedback is important,” said McWilliams “We are also taking into consideration the challenge to work around construction so students [can still] receive the best possible resources to thrive.”
Longwood Alumni have requested keepsakes and mementos from the Hams, leaving the university striving to keep those requests. There are already plans in place for the alumni, but what they can keep depends on the deconstruction process.
“Alumni have certainly expressed interest in saving bricks from the Hams, but we will not know until deconstruction begins,” McWilliams said. “The concept of the brick wall of past presidents (on the corner) will be re-created in some way.”
The Upchurch University Center will have several entrances, bulldozing parts of the hilly areas in front will flatten the surface so that the upcoming center will be more accessible for students.
The Jarman Auditorium parking lot will be closed for the time being, due to equipment coming in (for deconstruction) that will begin in a few weeks. Since the Cunninghams were a huge part of campus dorm life, to compensate for the loss of space, 200 new apartments have opened up in Lancer Park this year.
Deconstruction on the Cunninghams is expected to run into the Spring 2015 semester and the construction of the University Center will begin that summer. Longwood Officials expect Upchurch University Center to be complete in 2017.
Stubbs Hall-Updates on re-opening of Stubbs Residence Hall: All mechanical, electrical and plumbing renovation systems are completed. Stubbs renovations were put under construction due to its previous non-air conditioned rooms. It was also completely gutted. Updated renovations on a new air conditioning system, replacement of the fire alarm system, upgrade of interior finishes, new common activity space, new laundry room, as well as Chapter rooms are complete.
Willett Hall- The reconstruction is ahead of schedule and renovations are to be done in January. The gym floor will be ready to go for the basketball season. A new air conditioning unit is to be installed, as well as new carpeting and painting. The pool is closed, however, membership will be available at Hampden-Sydney.
Dorrill Dining Hall- A new roof will be installed by the Spring 2015 semester.
Sophomore Residence Hall- A new residence hall will be built for at least 200 students. Construction will start in the spring of 2015 and will be finished by fall of 2016 so students can be put in resident housing by the August 2016 semester. Stay tuned to The Rotunda for further details.
