The University moved forward in the permitting process for the proposed Stokes Hall when it submitted filings to the City of Newton Planning Department Wednesday afternoon.
The filings will be subject to an administrative review by the City of Newton. "As a nonprofit educational establishment, the school is entitled to ask for a number of waivers on issues like setbacks and height, which the commissioner can grant if he finds them reasonable," Alexandra Ananth, senior planner, told reporters before the meeting. "But we will be reviewing each waiver very carefully, and considering public comment."
If approved, the 183,000 square foot hall would include new classrooms and space for humanities faculty in it location on Middle Campus along College Road between McElroy Commons and Lyons Hall.
"Stokes Hall will provide new classrooms and office space for our humanities faculty, as well as space or our student formation programs," University Spokesman Jack Dunn said. "It will be built in the English Collegiate Gothic architectural style of the original buildings of the Chestnut Hill Campus."
Following completion of the site plan review, the University will apply for a building permit from the City's Inspectional Services Department, Dunn said.
If the permit is granted, then construction could begin in the fall, subject to final approval by the BC Board of Trustees at the September Board meeting.
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