Board of Directors Approves Design for New Library

The Pennsylvania College of Technology Board of Directors has approved the design for the new Roger and Peggy Madigan Library that will be built at the College's main entrance.

After hearing presentations by representatives of the architectural firm and the company that will provide furnishings for the facility, the Board voted unanimously on Thursday to approve the plans for the three-story building, which will be erected at the southwest corner of the main entrance, adjacent to the Bush Campus Center and Student and Administrative Services Center.

Penn College President Dr. Davie Jane Gilmour announced a tentative date for the groundbreaking Jan. 6 adding that construction of the 104,000-square-foot facility is expected to be completed by July or early August 2006.

"We're very excited about it," Dr. Gilmour told the Board. "If you ask students about it, they can't wait. . . . It's been a labor of love. It's been a great project."

The building is named for state Sen. Roger A. Madigan (a member of the Board) and his late wife. Madigan offered high praise for the design by Murray Associates Architects.

"Great job. I'm pleased with it... overwhelmed," he said.

The number of seats in the library will increase from 200 to 900, and the facility will house a 100-seat open-computer lab, the largest on campus.

The design element that will be used for an impressive clock at the main entrance will be carried throughout the facility on the ends of book stacks and elsewhere.

The facade will contain elements similar to those used in the SASC: cast concrete stone blocks, glass and aluminum. There will be a three-story atrium and a two-story reading room. Space will be reserved on the third floor for future expansion. Landscaping for the facility will not be part of the construction contract. Instead, Dr. Gilmour said, it will be performed by General Services staff.

"I think their work on campus speaks for itself," she said.

Dr. Gilmour noted students attending New Student Orientation recently marveled at the prospect of being able to see the library open.A frequently overheard comment was, "Wow, it will be done while I'm still here," she said.

Benedict Dubbs of Murray Associates exhibited a variety of sketches and building materials for the Board, while Julie Brown of Brodart Co.'s furniture division displayed various furnishings, carpet and fabrics that will be used throughout the building.