Renovations to Harrison College House have kicked off in an effort to bring the building up to par with neighboring Hamilton College House, which finished renovations last summer.
The renovation of Harrison marks the second stage in a three-step process to revamp all three high rises during a six-year period.
With about $80 million earmarked for the total operation, the renovations to Harrison will take up about the same amount of money that was designated for the works for Hamilton, which required $26.5 million.
"The scope of the renovations is very similar to that of Hamilton with some minor differences in renovation in the public spaces," University Director of Design and Construction Management Darrin Reazor said.
He added that Harrison's final look will closely resemble that of Hamilton.
At the moment, works have begun for the replacement of the building's windows starting from the top floors.
According to renovation plans, during the summer, the front entrance will be remodernized, as well as the rooftop lounge and the three floors of the building's communal space -- the ground floor, the lobby level and the first floor, which currently houses Harrison's library and computer lab.
Meanwhile, the furniture in all rooms will be replaced, and the walls will be repainted.
This first phase of operations will be completed in time for move-in in August.
The second series of repairs will include new landscaping and is scheduled to continue throughout the fall semester.
Students living in Harrison said they were pleased about the renovations of their college house.
"I'm looking forward to it," Wharton and Engineering junior Eric Chan said. "I'm going to be living here next year, so I hope to see good things."
On Tuesday, House Dean Frank Pellicone sent out an e-mail to all residents informing them about the works that were taking place and notifying them that the building would have to be accessed from the back door Wednesday and yesterday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The main entrance was reopened last night.
Many residents added that disturbance was kept to a minimum and that aside from the frequent passing of workers outside their windows, they have experienced no discomfort.
Students said the plan for renovations addresses some of the building's features that have long been neglected.
The renovations "were definitely overdue," College senior Alyssa Neir said. "The windows are extremely drafty. My room has six windows, and none of them close properly. It's freezing cold, and the heat just doesn't do it."
"Some windows come out of their track," College freshman Brittni Busch said, adding that renovation plans should have included plumbing as well, in light of the recent problems the building has experienced with water distribution.
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