Projects around campus progress on schedule as part of a larger effort to update and restore Wesleyan.
The Beacon: Structural work began over the summer to restore, renovate and update the Monumental Bell Tower, officially known as the Frank E. Brown Bell Tower and recently renamed the Beacon. Brick work is scheduled to begin in early September, and a late September completion is expected.
Susan S. Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center: Construction is nearing completion and brick and steel work continue on the long-awaited arts building. The Arts Center is scheduled to be completed in May. As part of the Founders Day celebration, fine arts students and alumni signed the final structural beam before it was placed.
SmartFlower Photovoltaic System: VWU was one of the first universities to invest in a SmartFlower solar energy system, which was installed in late August. The SmartFlower provides up to 40 percent more energy than traditional fixed solar panels, and will provide power for the Honors Village.
New fountains: Thanks to some private resources, two of the ponds on campus will be receiving new fountains. The pond at the entrance of the university will have three new fountains with built-in lighting, to better showcase the marlin statue that was relocated there last year. The old fountain will be installed in Renn Reserve Pond, along Marlin Way.
Broyles Field at TowneBank Park: Demolition has begun on the old Marlins Park, to make room for the new and improved Tom and Betty Broyles Field. The new complex will include the traditional dugouts, stands and batting cages, but will also feature bullpens and a press box.
Basketball locker rooms: The men and women’s basketball team locker rooms in the Jane P. Batten Center will be renovated and updated before the start of the season, thanks to a generous gift from a trustee member. The new locker rooms will have custom wood lockers with USB ports, more comfortable seating, new carpeting, wall graphics and whiteboards.
Mickella Rast
mjrast@vwu.edu
