Summertime Projects

Welcome Center construction scene.

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The Marshall and Vera Lea Rinker Welcome Center will have an entirely different look by mid-August.
Al Allen, Stetson’s associate vice president of facilities management, has spent much of his time this summer working to ensure that the university’s new welcome center will be a grand showcase for current and prospective students, alumni and visitors. And, indeed, that construction activity is right on schedule — ready when students arrive on campus. At the same time, numerous other projects are steadily moving forward or have been completed.

“It has been a busy and productive summer at the DeLand campus,” Allen says. “Our students and faculty will see many changes and improvements when they return to campus in August.”

Here’s a brief summary.

Marshall and Vera Lea Rinker Welcome Center: Construction is nearing final stages. When completed, the center’s furniture will be installed followed by the installation of video, computing and communication equipment by the university’s Information Technology team. IT will also work with Enrollment Management, Career and Professional Development, Student Financial Planning, the Bursar and the Registrar to schedule their moves into the welcome center. A formal dedication of the building is set for Saturday, Sept. 24.

Carlton Union Building: Design and engineering plans are scheduled to be completed at the end of July, with start of construction planned for October and completion at the end of 2018.

Chaudoin Hall: Carpeting in student rooms has been removed and the majority of the original wood floors sanded and refinished to their original appearance of more than 100 years ago. With the removal of carpeting in Chaudoin, Conrad and University halls, all student residential rooms now have hard-surface floors instead of carpet, an environmental upgrade for students.

Conrad Hall: Carpeting in student rooms has been replaced by vinyl tile that has the appearance of wood.

Conrad Hall, Flagler Hall and Sampson Hall: New metal roofs are being installed. The use of metal roof material is consistent with the original roofs of these historic buildings, which date back more than 100 years. The State of Florida Department of State provided Stetson with a grant that funds approximately 50 percent of the roof-replacement costs.

Cummings Gym: The exterior bricks have been repaired, restored and painted (including wood window trim).

Davis Hall: Students, faculty and staff will experience improved air conditioning, thanks to a new energy-efficient heating and cooling system. In addition, ceilings have been replaced and new energy efficient LED lighting installed in classrooms and offices for faculty and staff.

Elizabeth Hall: Room 103 A&B are in the process of being converted from offices to a fully-accessible classroom.

Emily Hall: New energy-efficient equipment and temperature controls have been added to the air-conditioning equipment that serves bedrooms.

Flagler Hall: A new elevator is being installed.

Gordis, Smith and Nemec Halls: A new, efficient system in these residential halls will ensure that students always have hot water.

Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity House: The property acquired and renovated by Stetson at 208 Pennsylvania Ave. will house Lambda Chi Alpha, starting in August. During the next year, the house (House F) will be expanded to accommodate 18 Lambda Chi brothers, with the additions made possible by contributions to the fraternity’s Beyond Significance Capital Campaign.

Painting: Student rooms, faculty and staff offices, and classrooms all have been repainted.

Sandra Stetson Aquatic Center: Plans for the aquatic center are in development, with construction planned to begin next spring and end in early 2018.

Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity House: The fraternity’s active brothers and alumni have funded improvements at the house (House E), encompassing the first floor and the creation of concrete patios, sitting walls, sidewalks, fencing and landscaping.

Stetson Palms and Stetson Oaks Apartments: The two apartment complexes were acquired by the university to provide residential living spaces for 107 students. The complexes have been completely renovated and will be ready for August.

Student Housing Conversions: Houses previously rented to university staff at 205 University Ave., 220 University Ave. and 245 Michigan Ave. in DeLand will now become residences for 14 selected students.

University Hall: This popular residence hall, primarily serving first-year students, now features renovated bedrooms, bathrooms, enhanced air conditioning and a new roof.

West Side Parking Area: This parking area west of Allen Hall, Human Resources and Cummings Gym has been improved, including new concrete parking surfaces, stormwater management detention ponds and LED lighting. The lot is available for faculty, staff, students and visitors.