One of this summer's most ambitious projects, the renovation and expansion of the Kirner-Johnson building, has begun with site preparation and construction setup well under way. The renovations are supported in part by the recent donation of $1 million by Estelle Wilhelm, whose late husband, Curtis "Curt" R. Wilhelm, was a member of Hamilton's class of 1940. Groundbreaking was celebrated during Reunion Weekend, and completion of the project is scheduled for August 2009. The expansion will provide additional space for the College's economics, government, history and anthropology departments, as well as new offices for Hamilton's Arthur Levitt Public Affairs Center, the Nesbitt-Johnston Writing Center and the Oral Communications Center.
Demolitions are also a part of the summer construction schedule. A college house at 26 College Hill Road recently fell to the wrecking ball. The newly cleared lot will be landscaped to provide additional green space on campus. In a rather unique example of cooperation between Hamilton and the local community, the Clinton and Westmoreland volunteer fire departments will conduct a joint-training exercise on June 25 at 3961 Campus Road prior to the demolition of that building.
Other projects on this summer's "to do" list range from replacement of the roof at the Scott Field House to upgraded kitchenettes and bathrooms, new roofs, state of the art fire-alarm systems and new floors in various residence halls. The chapel steps are being replaced and a "snow melt" system has been installed to increase safety during the winter months. The floors of the Emerson gallery are being refinished and the front of Christian A. Johnson Hall, host to the art gallery, will receive a facelift including re-pointing and restoration of the building's stone work.
