This article was originally published in the Saturday, April 22, 1950, issue of The BlackBurnian. The original author of the story is the entire ‘Burnian editorial staff at the time. The story features plans for expansion to the college including a science building and dormitory for men.
Administration Releases Plans for Expansion
Science Building, library, Dormitory To Receive Construction Priority
What is Blackburn planning for the future?
Through the cooperation of Dr. Robert P. Ludlum, President of the College, and the work office, the ‘Burnian is able to announce that large scale expansion plans for the physical plant are now on the drawing boards. They include a new science building, another men’s dormitory, a new library, and a student union building. All plans are tentative and no construction arrangements have been made, but Dr. Ludlum stated that as money becomes available these and other improvements will be made. Blackburn-future, as illustrated on a reproduction of a blue print carried in this issue, would have an enrollment of between 30 and 400 students; an increase of approximately 60 over present figures. Most of the planned improvements will be made in the area facing University street.
In 1946, Dr. R. W. McEwen, former president, presented to the Board of Trustees a long range program for expansion of the physical plant. The first step of that program was completed with the dedication of Jones-Allison hall October, 1949, and Dr. Ludlum said that the objectives of the 1946 program remain much the same. In addition to the new buildings an enlargement of Clegg chapel is planned. The present chapel has a capacity of 300 and has choir space for 36, but with an increased enrollment more seats would be needed. However, the three main buildings needed at this time are a science unit, men’s dormitory, and library. They are considered equally important, and construction will begin as the necessary financial arrangements are made.
A new library is considered a necessity with any increase in enrollment. The exact site of the structure is yet to be determined, but in all likelihood it will become the east wing of Hudson hall in balance with Clegg chapel, or a separate building to the east of Hudson hall. Either site offers room for expansion at the back. The present library space on first floor Hudson could be turned into classrooms or offices. With the enlargement of the chapel the main entrance to Hudson hall may be changed from the College Avenue drive to the west side of the building facing University street.
In the 1946, report, Robertson hall, present home of the chemistry, biology, physics, and art department, were termed “long outmoded and too small for our work in science.” The proposed science building would be located on the present athletic field. All work in science including adequate classrooms and laboratories for work in natural sciences will be consolidated in the science building, thus making Robertson hall available for courses having little fire risk. Robertson hall was erected in 1880 and is the only material link the college has with its nineteenth century history. A new athletic field would be constructed on lots west of Dawes gymnasium.
A second men’s dormitory is needed to as the necessary men to maintain the work program. The administration feels that a dormitory for 60 men would answer the demands of the work program. It would be located to the north of Butler hall, present men’s dormitory, or on the College property bordered by East Nicholas street and College avenue next to the Wilson house faculty apartments. The present tennis court area will be made into a large parking lot. An area east of Dawes gymnasium is being leveled for tennis courts in order to consolidate athletic activities near the gymnasium.
A student union building is one of the last phases of present expansion plans. The Beaver Den is considered as an interim step between the “old milk house” and the proposed unit. The Stoddard hall center is satisfactory, but with additional students its facilities would be highly taxed.
The proposed center would be attached to the south side of Butler hall forming a right angle. It is proposed that the present parlor in Butler hall might be incorporated into the recreation area.