Woodburn, White halls to be completed by end of 2011

West Virginia University is currently working on restorations for Woodburn Hall and White Hall, both of which should be completed in 2011.

The decision to restore the buildings is based on WVU Facilities Management's 10-year plan, which is designed to maximize the life cycle of each building on campus, said Daniel Batson, Associate Director of WVU Design and Construction Services.

White Hall's current phase of construction has been underway since March and will be completed in Fall 2011 at a cost of $33.3 million.

Reconstruction for White Hall is being funded by a capital bond, and the Woodburn project is being funded by the University's central funds at $3.5 million.

Woodburn Hall, which began restoration in June, is receiving new gutters and a new roof. The building's decorative trim, steps and exterior stone are being restored as well and should be completed by May 2011.

"This is a very thorough long-term exterior restoration on items that have reached or exceeded their life expectancy," Batson said. "The restoration will maximize the life cycle expectancy of the building and preserve the historic character of this iconic building."

White Hall's restoration is less cosmetic and more internal. Renovations include upgrading the entire building to serve the needs of the WVU Physics Department.

The building will be fit with energy-efficient windows, roofing systems, a planetarium, an observatory,

research labs, auditoriums and classrooms.

"It required the removal and abatement of hazardous materials from the building," said John Sommers, WVU construction manager, in an e-mail. "The reconstruction of White Hall will bring the building into compliance with current life safety codes."

Restoration work is being performed to preserve the existing brick and limestone facade of White Hall, he said.

Sommers said the WVU Physics Department will begin moving out of Hodges Hall in Fall 2011, and the first classes will be held in White Hall in Spring 2012.

A major restoration for Hodges Hall will begin upon completion of the restoration of White Hall, Batson said.

"There are always buildings that are being maintained on a constant basis, he said. "We just completed E. Moore Hall exterior last Summer 2010 and Martin Hall the year previous."