Construction continues; Pavilion complete

Here’s the latest on expansion/renovation projects and beautification initiatives around campus:

• An unforgiving winter delayed the construction of the Ruth and Lefty Anderson Pavilion on the south side of the Brunner Theatre Center, but it's now complete. 

The Anderson Pavilion will provide space for outdoor performances, as well as classes. Ruth Allison ’42 Anderson and Everett “Lefty” Anderson ‘39 are Augustana graduates. The pavilion was funded by daughter Darcy and son-in-law Steven Burke, and son Blake and daughter-in-law Darcy Anderson.

• Only a few more weeks to go until the 22,000-square-foot expansion to the Hanson Hall of Science is done.

The team is working from the fourth floor down and at the top, lights are in and finishing work is beginning. The exterior stone veneer is complete and windows are continuing to be installed. Work around the perimeter of the building will continue for the next couple weeks as the team completes concrete work for sidewalks, parking stalls and the access road between Hanson and Denkmann.

The expansion will add 22,000 square feet of space to the north end of Hanson Hall. The $8.5-million four-floor addition features five large, studio-style, flexible class/lab learning spaces; five interdisciplinary research labs; four faculty offices with adjoining space for discussion and collaboration; plus spectacular views of campus. The Roy J. Carver Charitable Trust provided the lead gift of $2.5 million. Completion is expected in August.

• As part of Augustana’s Blue, Gold and Beautiful campaign, stairways continue to be repaved and widened across campus.

Stairways to be improved are those from Swenson Hall to The Gerber Center, Andreen, Founders Hall toward the Olin Center, and Founders Hall to the Brunner Theatre Center. Landscaping to help with erosion will be added, along with butterfly waystations.

• Groundbreaking for the expansion of the Betsey Brodahl Building, home of Augustana’s communication sciences and disorders program and clinic, was held April 27.

The $3.75-million expansion will double the size of the building and accommodate Augustana’s new master’s program in speech-language pathology. Plans include the Barbara A. Roseman Center for Speech, Language, and Hearing; a family observation room; research labs; faculty and clinical staff offices; and space for a larger clinic and improved classrooms. An anonymous donor provided the lead gift of $500,000. Expected completion: fall 2020.

• The team is working through construction planning for the Austin E. Knowlton Center for Health, Wellness and Human Performance, and anticipates breaking ground in late fall. The pool that will be located in the center can be used for rehab as well as research and technique work. It will have an Endless Pools treadmill, so swimmers can have their techniques evaluated. This will set Augustana apart from many peer institutions.

• The renovation/expansion of Bergendoff Hall of Fine Arts is a priority project of the college’s $125-million AUGUSTANA NOW campaign. The anticipated total investment is approximately $12 million. Plans include a multimedia music laboratory; music education suite and dedicated classroom; teaching/rehearsal spaces; small recital hall; student and faculty common areas; and more. Funding will come from donors and monies reserved for depreciation. Board of Trustee Julie Hamann ’82 Elliott has made a $1 million matching gift challenge for the renovation and expansion. Expected completion: determined by funding.

• To complete the improvements along the Slough, plants native to the area will be planted along the path this spring.