McKee Library is undergoing construction to provide the building with a more functional, modern look, according to Marty Hamilton, associate vice president of Financial Administration. Plans for the front of the library include design elements to unify the look of buildings along the promenade. This decision was prompted by the contrast of the Bietz Center for Student Life and the older look of the library, according to Hamilton.
“We were very intentional in realizing what was happening with the Bietz Center and its architectural presence on the promenade,” Hamilton said. “We’re working on making the outside appearance more attractive and friendly to our students.”
Deyse Bravo, director of McKee Library, also commented on the decision to remodel the face of the building.
“The construction of the Bietz Center and its updated look made the library look more outdated,” Bravo wrote in an email to the Accent. “The idea of creating a new front for the library has been in the works for several years. The library is over 50 years old, so it’s definitely time for a change.”
She said the main goal of the construction is to create a stronger presence on the promenade and a more functional lobby. Bravo added that there are plans for a reading room on the second floor made possible by the expansion of the lobby.
In addition to the changes being made to the front of the building, a small bump-out addition with windows facing the courtyard and fountain beside the library is included in the blueprint.
“We have a fountain there [in the] courtyard between Hackman and Summerour up on the hill, so we kind of wanted to have a little view and open that end of the library up,” Hamilton said.
The library remains busy during the construction, according to Bravo. Some service locations have changed, however, including the tutoring center, which is now located on the main floor, and the addition of a service desk at the temporary entrance.
“I believe the new entrance will improve the day-to-day function of the library,” said Bravo, who is looking forward to the completion of the construction. “Not only will the entrance be more inviting, but this remodel will create more study space on the second floor, which is a huge benefit.”
Construction on the third floor is scheduled to be completed in late December, according to Hamilton. The 6,500 square foot expansion will provide the campus with a large classroom, seating up to 95 people, as well as a designated space for the Lincoln Library, two bathrooms and storage space, according to Hamilton.
The cost for the construction on the third floor is estimated to be about half a million dollars, while the cost for the construction on the front and side is about $650,000, according to Hamilton.
Hamilton expects the majority of the construction will be funded by donors.
“It’s all about improving life for our students,” Hamilton stated. “Whether it’s services or spaces, we get excited about making things better. We’re constantly thinking of our students and a campus that’s alive and thriving.”
