Rod Livengood, of Morgantown Excavators, Inc.,
begins razing the former Wesleyan Foundation located
across from the Gilmer County Courthouse Annex.
Story and Photos by Drew Moody
Demolition crews razed the former Wesleyan Foundation Tuesday morning in preparation for a new on-campus dormitory capable of housing nearly 500 students.
Two other structures are being demolished during initial site preparation.
Project deadlines are designed to complete roughly half the structure permitting occupancy while finishing the rest. By next August the first 220 residents are scheduled to move in. The remainder of the rooms will open in the spring of 2011.
An artists rendition of the new dorm being
built at Glenville State College that will
house nearly 500 students when completed.
BBL Carlton, of Charleston, are the general contractors. The building's footprint will cover two-thirds of an acre. When completed the building will begin near what was the entrance to the Wesleyan building, sweeping in a curve toward the Mollohan Center to within about 60-feet of it.
Dr. Peter B. Barr, GSC president, said to see such a rejuvenation at the school is incredible. "There's no more deserving community," indicating the modern facility will facilitate continued enrollment increases, as well as significantly impacting the economy of the region.
It took roughly three hours to create a three-sided
shell of the building. At this stage Rod Livengood is
pulverizing floor and joist material to make certain
the basement level of the structure completely filled.
Several other projects are ongoing at GSC.
Just two weeks ago, for example, the multi-million dollar Morris Criminal Justice Training Center was dedicated. Local philanthropists I.L. (Ike) and Sue Morris donated the building, land and monies for the extensive remodeling of the facility. Work at that facility is nearing its final stages.
In addition to supporting the training center, about 18-months ago, the Morris' made a $5-Million challenge pledge to jump-start fund raising efforts multi-use complex on Mineral Road near the stadium. The "Pioneer Center" is expected to include a gymnasium, convocation center, classrooms and Gilmer County's first 24/7 critical care medical facility.
Barr said Tuesday the proposed facility is nearing its funding goal needing a final push of donations to bring it to fruition.
Also on tap in the coming weeks are the installation of new lights at the college's football field conforming to NCAA light output requirements.
Finally, a new recording studio is being built on the lower level of the Fine Arts Center.
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