Renovations to Shutter Gasson for Next Year

The University announced Monday its intention to commence massive restoration efforts to Gasson Hall beginning in June, causing the University's oldest structure to remain closed for the duration of the 2010-2011 academic year.

 This renovation, the second phase of a project that began in April 2007, is part of a University plan to modernize Gasson, built in 1913. "It is amazing how they built this building 100 years ago without tower cranes and other modern technology to lift the stones," said Reid Oslin, associate director of the Office of News and Public Affairs. While the original construction has lasted for almost 100 years, updates are necessary to preserve the building, University officials said. "It is our signature building, and it is in great need of repair," said Executive Vice President Patrick Keating. "We know that time is ticking in terms of how long we can wait."

The original plan for reconstructing Gasson involved a much longer time frame. Initial estimates held that Gasson would be closed for a period ranging from 24 months to as long as 30 months, but the current plan should have construction lasting for about 14 to 18 months. "We felt that period of disruption and the potential for lowering the cost by doing it in one phase now was worth it," Keating said. This shorter time table will cause Gasson to be closed for the 2010-2011 school year with a planned re-opening in the fall of 2011.

Classes that would otherwise be held in Gasson will be relocated to other campus locations. In response, the University has vocalized efforts to find class space. "A plan has been developed to relocate the occupants and classrooms for the period of the construction," Keating said. Classes are expected to be moved to underutilized space in Carney Hall, McElroy Commons, and the O'Connell House.

Student groups that meet in Gasson will also face relocation while Gasson is closed. "This is an issue that will affect all of us," said Al Dea, president of the Undergraduate Government of Boston College (UGBC) and CSOM '10. "So we'll need to start thinking creatively about where we hold our events. By working with the Student Programs Office as well as the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs to find usable space and to maximize existing space, we can combat this problem."

The University will also work to relocate University offices currently located in the historic hall. "If we move, A&S would relocate in June 2010 to Carney Hall for at least 18 months," said Dean of A&S David Quigley. Quigley said he sees the renovations as necessary, however, and looks forward to seeing Gasson "emerge from the construction as an even more beautiful building." Other offices affected will include the office of the Arts and Sciences Honors Program and the University Counseling Office. Both are expected to be moved to Carney Hall.

The planned updates to Gasson include a number of features that will work to modernize the building. The interior is to be equipped with a new sprinkler system, a new fire alarm system, and new aluminum windows. The building's staircases will be taken apart and rebuilt. Additionally, four handicapped accessible entrances will be added to the north and south ends of the building.

The exterior of the building is also slated for remodeling. About 6,800 pieces of pre-cast stone are expected to be removed from Gasson. Contractors will take molds of these stones using lasers, and exact copies will be put in their place. "The manmade concrete presents the largest issue," Oslin said. "Everything that is being updated will be exactly the same, only much more beautiful." Since many of Gasson's current stones have lasted for nearly 100 years, these updates are expected to keep Gasson open for an extensive period of time. "When we finish this renovation project, Gasson Hall will be standing tall and bright for 200 years and beyond," Oslin said.