MOUNT VERNON — Mount Vernon Nazarene University’s Buchwald Center is on schedule to re-open later this week, according to Facilities Management Director Denny Taylor.
Closed for more than 10 weeks following the fire on Oct. 25 that destroyed the former Kresge building, situated immediately north of the Buchwald Center, the facility sustained extensive smoke and water damage, forcing MVNU officials to close the facility until repairs to the building could be made.
“We’re scheduled to be open on Jan. 15,” said Taylor, explaining that final painting, carpeting and door installation are taking place throughout this week. Classes are scheduled to resume Feb. 3 for the start of spring semester. “We’ll be done with the renovations by that time,” said Taylor. “This gives us enough time to fully prepare the rooms for the start of classes.”
The job of restoring the building to its prior condition has been conducted by the restoration company Belfor, while a few subcontractors were involved in the process as well.
“It’s been a challenge, but I think we’re going to make the schedule,” said Belfor Senior Project Manager Scott Halliwill. Major projects in the facility were rebuilding most of the north wall, installing new dropped ceilings, running new electric lines, and replacing wood floors, windows and doors as well as electrical equipment in the switch gear room. The bottom floor of the building sustained the most damage, as 4 feet of water was left standing there after the fire.
Halliwill added how there has been tremendous support of local subcontractors.
“They did a nice job,” said Taylor, after recent inspections of the repair work took place. “It looks really nice.”
Belfor representatives also gave Taylor a guarantee, asking they be contacted if any odor of smoke or other problem arises once their work is complete.
