The space that housed Bishop Hall is being converted into a green space for students to enjoy.
The Bishop Hall demolition started in late May after a condition assessment determined that it would cost more to repair the building than to demolish it. Demolition activities wrapped up on August 21.
According to Facilities Management Associate Vice President Joe Haupt, site restoration is the next and final step of the project. This process includes: filling holes with sand, putting down dirt and hydroseeding.
“At this point there’s no intention for a new facility to go back in that space or to convert it to parking,” Haupt said. “Right now the plan is just to turn it into a green space that can be utilized by students, faculty, and staff.”
The hall was no longer in use but previously housed the Early Learning Center and some professors’ offices. The ELC moved to a new facility next door and the offices were moved to other buildings on campus.
Digital animation and game design junior Morgan Keller was thankful for the change and excited to see the space once it’s finished.
“I’m so glad they brought the professors housed in Bishop to central campus,” Keller said. “It makes it easier for students and professors to meet each other outside of class hours.”
Haupt said they’ve received positive feedback from patrons and workers of the ELC for finishing the space in time for the ELC to reopen when promised. They’ve stayed on schedule and met all their deadlines so Haupt is hopeful the project will be finished as soon as possible.
“We’re excited that the project has gone as well as it has and for the site to be cleaned up so students can utilize the space,” Haupt said.
The current goal is for the space to be finished by mid-September for student use.