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August 29, 2002

Ground broken for Bradford building

Construction crews broke ground last month on Blaisdell Hall, the $13.5 million communications and fine arts building at the Bradford campus.

In the first phase of the project, expected to be completed by fall 2003, workers will build the 18,485 sq.-foot brick building in the area that had served as the campus's soccer field. The Blaisdell Fine Arts Challenge raised $3.4 million toward the first phase.

The second phase, which is expected to begin in the fall, will include a 500-seat theatre with a large reception space, a black box theatre, an art gallery, a scene shop and offices. The second phase of the project, which will total 25,900 sq. feet and will cost $8.5 million, is being funded by state money.

Jeff Guterman, associate professor of communications and chair of the communication arts department, said the new facility "will provide a wonderful advancement into the digital side of media. Our students will have ready access to sophisticated workstations for sound and moving image experimentation. Through a combination of convergence and creative emphasis, communications and public relations students will work side-by-side in facilities that are in close proximity to the art, music and theatre areas."

Work also has begun on the Frame-Westerberg Commons building, the student center at Bradford, which is undergoing a $9.5 million expansion and renovation.

In the Commons project, the majority of which is expected to be finished by the fall 2003, the first floor will be completely renovated and 9,482 square feet will be added. A second main entrance also will be built at the rear of the building, and minor renovations will be made to the second floor offices.

Filed under: Feature,Volume 35 Issue 1

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