In an age of environmental awareness, Saint Mary's has been making efforts to create an environmentally friendly campus through this year's new renovations.
Madeleva has served as a classroom and office building for students, faculty and staff of Saint Mary's since the 1960s. With the preparation and hard work of Bill Hambling, director of facilities at the College, his maintenance team and Arkos Design of Mishawaka, Madeleva will show off its new look by next summer.
The project was funded by a bond issued through the city of South Bend and will not affect operating capital, so it will not be in competition with any academic funding, Hambling said.
"It's a lot of windows, so it's a lot of work," he said, "but it's how we reduce our carbon footprint. We want the building looking fresh, clean and excited again; it will look youthful, just like our students."
This two-phase project began this past summer by replacing the energy inefficient windows surrounding the building with Low-E windows. Thenew energy efficient windows will allow more light to enter the building, making the classrooms and offices seem more spacious, Hambling said.
"The windows are made from all green material and will reduce the heat of the building, specifically in the warmer months, by nearly 30 degrees; saving the school a great deal on air conditioning costs," he said
Monday marked the start of the replacement windows on the panel curtain wall that faces the courtyard. They will be completed over the next four to five weeks, Hambling said.
Another important aspect of this first phase of renovations is the removal of the "zippered" bricks that run vertically on all sides of the building.
"Over the last few decades, the layout of these bricks has allowed moisture and insects to enter through cracks, ruining the exterior walls," Hambling said. "The vines covering the building have also been removed. They had started to grow through holes in the brick walls and began to enter classrooms, causing further damage to be done. These renovated window systems will also be constructed of all eco-friendly materials."
Hambling said the second phase of the operation will be the completion of the window replacements on the on the opposite side of the panel curtain wall and the remaining sides of the building.
"The area surrounding the building has also experienced some revisions. The maintenance and grounds crew have made great efforts to revitalize the growth of grass around the building," Hambling said. "Lilac bushes have also been planted along the driveway leading up to the front of Madeleva, and should be in full bloom by spring 2013."
Hambling added that the College will continue to experience many other green renovations under his direction in the year to come.
