Tuesday, November 24, 1998
Heidelberg OKs campus master plan
By Cathy Willoughby
Staff Writer
Heidelberg College's Board of Trustee's unanimously has approved a campus master plan. It outlines the future physical development of the Tiffin campus.
President Richard Owens said the plan was approved at the November trustee meeting only after discussion, deliberation and input from hundreds of people. He said it reflects part of the college's strategic plan that was adopted at the same board meeting.
Included is an assessment of the school's facilities as it relates to the master plan. ''It deals with the physical aspects of the campus, and its physical development well into the future, as well as only within 10 to 15 years ... the long-term needs as well as short-term,'' Owens explained.
Some of the proposed enhancements deal with traffic flow to the campus, and the addition of ''green space'' to allow a heightened sense of aethestics.
Much of it will be realized as funds become available, such as through the new Century Fund. ''This is a comprehensive capital fund-raising effort,'' he said of that campaign. ''I envision the future growth of the college as a triangle, with the strategic plan, the campus master plan and the Century Fund each as one side, so that you can see how they work together.''
Owens unveiled one of the proposed maps of the future of the campus that was drawn by The Collaborative Inc. of Toledo. He said it clearly defined the boundaries of the campus, with Sara and East Perry to the north, Circular Street to the west, Main on the south and Sara, Greenfield and Prospect on the east.
These represent the natural boundaries of the campus, and will help with designing locations of future entryways on campus. These are being planned for Market and Circular, East Perry at the edge of campus, at the east end where the campus reaches National Machinery, and at the entry at Rebecca and Circular, emphasizing that entrance for parking.
Looking at future building needs, Owens said the most immediate plans call for renovation and additions to the Campus Center, renovation of Kreig dormitory, and the addition of a new wing or science building adjacent to Bareis Science Hall. A parking lot is also planned for the near future close to the south campus center lot.
Farther into the future, as need and funds dictate, the plan calls for a recreation and wellness center near Seiberling Gymnasium, a new residence hall on the corner of Rebecca and Circular streets on the south side of Rebecca, and the addition of a Fine Arts Center. An additional building site at the west side of the current Honors Center is being set aside for future needs that cannot be anticipated now.
Additionally, parking areas will be at the periphery of the campus, to enhance the safety of students and to reduce the congestion. New tree plantings and landscaping are also planned to make the campus more attractive to everyone who comes in contact with it.
Owens said housing now exists for all students who wish college accomodations. However, in the long term, some of the homes that are used for student housing as Cooperative Learning Centers may not be fit to use. ''If enrollment continues to grow in four-year cycles, and we have another 120 to 150 students, another residence hall would be built. There the money that you invest comes back to you in room fees,'' he said.
Work is scheduled to begin later this spring, beginning with the parking area near the south campus center lot; the renovation of Kreig Hall will begin in May, after students have left campus for the summer break; and collegeofficials are continuing the process of determining the need and cost for the renovation of the campus center.