Members of the Shippensburg University community gathered for a sneak peek of the newly renovated Stewart Hall on Friday.
Attendees shared each other’s experiences while admiring the renovations of the historic campus building.
Adam Roth, SU director of facilities management and planning, oversaw the project, which he said merges old and new at Shippensburg.
Stewart Hall originally opened in 1894 and held a gym, dormitory and classroom space, according to Roth.
“After renovations, the building will be used as a welcome center for members of the SU family – current and prospective students and alumni,” Roth said.
The renovated Stewart Hall will provide a versatile space for the campus community for new traditions, while honoring those who came before.
The building boasts new technology including an elevator, television monitors and an SU welcome video. The original roof woodwork remains among subtle updates to bring the building up to code. The building is also now ADA-accessible and includes an all-gender bathroom.
Modern updates also include a second-floor conference room, while Stewart’s historic roots are honored with flooring from a portion of the original track and exposed brick.
Roth said it was important throughout the project to honor the history of Stewart Hall. Details in the building including its original foundation remain intact.
Plans for the renovation began in 2014 with an extensive feasibility study. The anticipated completion date was October 2019, according to an SU official.
SU President Laurie Carter attended the sneak peak. She said she was pleased with the outcome of the renovation.
Carter also said the building reflects on the past and future of SU as the old brick and the new wood brings everything together.
“It signifies the vibrancy of our future,” she said.
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