Purdue News
Purdue News
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April 20, 2000 Purdue considers Entomology Hall renovation, expansionWEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Purdue University officials are considering a renovation and expansion plan for Entomology Hall that would restore the 99-year-old building to full operation, bring accessibility and safety features up to current standards, and increase its square footage by more than 70 percent, while preserving the structure's unique architecture. Thomas R. Schmenk, director of facilities planning and construction, said the plan, developed by Schmidt Associates, an Indianapolis architectural/engineering firm, would give a new lease on life to Purdue's second-oldest existing building, as well as adding valuable new space for the School of Agriculture. "This is a tremendously exciting concept," Schmenk said. "Entomology Hall presents a lot of structural and design problems, and this plan resolves them without compromising the architectural integrity of a building that a lot of people believe is a historic treasure. "If we are able to complete the project, we will be able to repair the structural weaknesses of the building; replace all the mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems; provide full wheelchair access; and bring everything up to fire safety codes. At the same time, both the exterior and principal interior architectural features of Entomology Hall will be preserved." The plan calls for a 25,000-square-foot addition on the south (rear) side of the building, with a covered walkway from the addition to the Whistler Hall of Agricultural Research. The front of the building, which faces State Street in West Lafayette, would be preserved. The building now has a total square footage of 35,455. An additional benefit of the project would be a strengthening of the roof structure, which will allow installation of a clay tile roof, similar to the original, Schmenk said. The building now has a shingle roof. Schmenk said the university is investigating funding possibilities for the project, estimated to cost $12 million. "We haven't decided yet on the best approach for funding," he said, "but I'm confident we can resolve the issue. The project could start as soon as a year from now and take about two years to complete." The Department of Entomology moved its main offices out the building in 1999 and now occupies Smith Hall. Purdue stopped scheduling classes there after the 1999 fall semester because of safety and maintenance concerns. Currently, the School of Agriculture is using some offices on a temporary basis, but most of the building is empty. Schmenk said the restored Entomology Hall could include classrooms, laboratories and offices, but its exact usage still is being discussed within the School of Agriculture. Built in 1901, Entomology Hall was originally the headquarters of the School of Agriculture and was known as Agricultural Hall. The only older building on campus is University Hall, which was built in 1877. Source: Thomas R. Schmenk, (765) 494-800, trschmenk@.purdue.edu Writer: Joseph L. Bennett, (765) 494-2082; jbennett@purdue.edu Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu
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