Lisa Gamsu, Barnard's Vice President for Administration and Capital Planning, discussed space with the Student Government Association at Monday night's meeting.
First on the docket was the timely issue of housing improvements. This summer, Sulzberger Tower will be empty for recarpeting. Higher-powered fluorescent lightbulbs will be installed in Plimpton and Elliott Halls. "We’re going to keep experimenting,” Gamsu said on energy efficient light sources. A list of suggested updates and money allocations concerning renovations is being compiled. After review by Dean Dorothy Denburg, the list will be brought back to SGA.
SGA also discussed renovations to the Nexus student center, which is still under construction. Portions of Lehman Hall's first floor, including Wollman Library's computer lounge and a portion of the reading room, will be moved to the new building. The move will leave those sections of Lehman free for use by units within Barnard. “We will have to deal with all the vacancies on campus,” Gamsu said. “There are some departments that are not being served by the Nexus.”
Plans are being drawn to determine the spatial needs of each department. As of now, it is known that the composition of Brooks Hall specifically will change, with Lewis Parlor being made into a multi-purpose lounge, the second-floor rooms possibly being transformed into graduate student housing, and a new student lounge and a publications office to be located where the College Activities Office is now. WBAR may move to the current location of the Barnard store—Security and Residential Life officers are displeased with WBAR DJs and guests entering the residential halls for the radio station, which is now housed in the basement of Brooks.
The administration had previously said that the Nexus will open in the spring of 2010, but it has now been revealed that planning will proceed through the fall semester of the 2009-2010 academic year.
Further, since the recycling station in the basement of Altschul Hall has proven to be successful, Barnard plans to expand this project to the basement of all buildings.
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