New Clarion University Facilities Benefit Armstrong County Alumni

 

by Jonathan Weaver

According to University statistics, more than 1,000 students from Armstrong County have chosen to attend Clarion University during the past five years.

And those current and future Clarion Golden Eagles will get the opportunity to live in new residence halls, enjoy new sporting opportunities and a new hub for student activity.

From 2015-2018, the university has invested more than $125 million for the new student housing facility – Suites on Main – a revitalized Becht Hall, and a makeover to Tippin Gymnasium/Natatorium and the Rec Center.

University President Dr. Karen Whitney has overseen the strategic renovations since 2010, but she said the long-term master facilities plan was written 25 years ago

“The larger the project, the more time it takes to plan, determine how to fund it and then construct it,” Whitney said. “Every project has its own story on how we’re able to fund it and in many cases it does take years to acquire the resources to fund any project.”

Both a portion of Suites on Main and Becht Hall opened in August. The final portion of Suites on Main opened in January.

Costing the most of the four projects - $60.4 million - Suites on Main replaced two residence halls and provides housing for nearly 730 students through a mix of single- and double bedroom units.

The bottom floors also include the university bookstore, a restaurant, coffee shop and theater.

“It’s pretty exciting because the students really like the new residences,” Whitney said. “They say it’s like living in a hotel.”

Becht Hall – a former residence hall – was completed in August and introduced the Student Success Center – including the Offices of Student Financial Services, Student Scholarship and orientation.

The 50,000 square foot Becht Hall was completed in 21 months.

Becht Hall’s revitalization was designed by PWWG Architects of Pittsburgh and constructed by Uhl Construction of Allison Park (a past bidder to work on the Belmont Complex in East Franklin Township).

Whitney – who had relatives from Kittanning – said Clarion received State financing support for two of the projects. More than $16.5 million was also funded for the renovation of Becht Hall and the ongoing plan to renovate Tippin Gymnasium.

“They were very helpful in helping us fund Becht Hall’s renovations because the goal of the building was to help students be academically successful,” Whitney said.

Tippin Gymnasium/Natatorium’s makeover is in the design phase and is expected to be completed in Summer 2018.

According to the University website, the project includes, but is not limited to, creating a new University arena as a bowl concept, a new natatorium for competition swimming events; a multi-purpose auxiliary gym; a wrestling room; a two-story, glass-enclosed strength and conditioning facility; a dance and yoga studio; and state-of-the-art classrooms and athletic training center.

The Rec Center – renovated to include a new recreational pool, climbing wall and 38-person spa - will include both student and community events in Fall 2017.

Whitney said University officials will work hard to minimize disruptions to athletes during renovations.