2008 Woodie Awards
Disabled gain access to P104
Isaac Esparza
Issue date: 9/4/08 Section: News
More than 10 professors have been displaced by ongoing construction and had to relocate in order to allow contractors to renovate P104 in the English Poetry Center. Renovations began in early August and will end, hopefully, in late September.
Transformation of the room has much to do with accessibility. Before restoration began, according to Bobbi Villalobos, Dean of the Language Arts Department, "P104 had three or four steps leading up to the room from the hallway, and outside it had steps leading up to the room as well."
Since the floor was raised, and the stairs blocked the main entrances, anyone with a physical handicap was unable to gain access to P104.
After the changes, the floor will be lowered, the stairs removed, and a ramp added outside. A wheelchair lift will be added in order to provide easy access for the disabled to the Poetry Center's stage where readings and narratives will be conducted throughout the semester.
In addition to the technical alterations, the reconstruction of the room includes an all hardwood floor, sanded and varnished, and renewing the rustic ceiling, which was once covered up but now is revealed in its historic beauty. Furniture will also be added, such as bookshelves, comfortable lounges, and lights.
These improvements have caused a stir of reactions from the English staff, having to deal with noise, modifications and inconvenience.
Yet, despite all of this, many are ecstatic about the change of scenery, and are eager to move back in.
"They look very good and are doing a good job, renovating and renewing the room but also showcasing the historic aspect as well," creative writing instructor Frank Gaspar said regarding the renovations to the room.
As to the displacement, construction, and racket itself, teachers see the silver lining. "No big deal…worth it to me to be displaced because its only a minor inconvenience. I want them to finish right, however long it takes. It is not distracting me," Gaspar said.
When completed, the room will be majestic and more than likely, better than imaginable.
By the beginning of October, professors and students alike will be able to embark on a poetic learning experience in the newly restored center.
Transformation of the room has much to do with accessibility. Before restoration began, according to Bobbi Villalobos, Dean of the Language Arts Department, "P104 had three or four steps leading up to the room from the hallway, and outside it had steps leading up to the room as well."
Since the floor was raised, and the stairs blocked the main entrances, anyone with a physical handicap was unable to gain access to P104.
After the changes, the floor will be lowered, the stairs removed, and a ramp added outside. A wheelchair lift will be added in order to provide easy access for the disabled to the Poetry Center's stage where readings and narratives will be conducted throughout the semester.
In addition to the technical alterations, the reconstruction of the room includes an all hardwood floor, sanded and varnished, and renewing the rustic ceiling, which was once covered up but now is revealed in its historic beauty. Furniture will also be added, such as bookshelves, comfortable lounges, and lights.
These improvements have caused a stir of reactions from the English staff, having to deal with noise, modifications and inconvenience.
Yet, despite all of this, many are ecstatic about the change of scenery, and are eager to move back in.
"They look very good and are doing a good job, renovating and renewing the room but also showcasing the historic aspect as well," creative writing instructor Frank Gaspar said regarding the renovations to the room.
As to the displacement, construction, and racket itself, teachers see the silver lining. "No big deal…worth it to me to be displaced because its only a minor inconvenience. I want them to finish right, however long it takes. It is not distracting me," Gaspar said.
When completed, the room will be majestic and more than likely, better than imaginable.
By the beginning of October, professors and students alike will be able to embark on a poetic learning experience in the newly restored center.
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