After reviewing seven pre-proposals regarding the future use of the space in Norris Hall currently under review, the Norris Hall Task Force has chosen three candidates to submit a full proposal by Nov. 9.
Two of the pre-proposal teams were recommended by the task force to combine their ideas into one proposal. The Department of Engineering Science and Mechanics proposed to, according to a recent press release, "re-create community" by "consolidating department operations and create state-of-the-art video conferencing, research and laboratory space for students."
A second pre-proposal came from the Center for Violence and Prevention and Peace Studies and aimed at a "student-led research program that engages faculty from numerous departments." The Center for Student Engagement and Community Partnerships proposed a "collaborative meeting space for students and members of community agencies." The task force recommended that these two proposals should combine into one because they compliment each other well.
After they are submitted on Nov. 9, both teams' full proposals will be reviewed and discussed in a meeting on Nov. 15. Each team will meet with the committee for presentations, questions and comments.
Provost Mark McNamee, who was appointed by President Steger after April 16, chairs the task force to discuss the future of Norris Hall. McNamee said that as of right now, no budget has been set for renovations.
McNamee said that the renovations might have to be done in phases or through modest renovations.
Renovations are "challenging because of budget reductions," McNamee said.
McNamee said that the office of the university architect will review the chosen proposal and help to develop an idea, the budget and a plan for how to handle the renovations.Steve Harrison, dean of engineering, proposed several ideas that were not chosen for full proposal, but the task force recommended that they be considered for integration into the other plans.
One of Harrison's proposals was to create classrooms for team-based projects and convert windows into full doors with balconies, in which students "can bring the outdoors in." He proposed to seal off the hallway affected by April 16 , making the "lived-in space more visible" and the "less-lived-in spaces invisible." "Norris Hall is clearly a presence and a powerful symbol on campus," Harrison said.
The decision process on what is to be done with Norris Hall is a completely open one, allowing anyone with questions or comments the ability to contact the Norris Hall Task Force, McNamme said."We're hoping that by being open, people will have the chance to think about it, and contact the task force," McNamme said. By Dec. 1, the task force will have submitted a proposal to President Charles Steger."The sooner we can use the space productively, the better," McNamee said.