Well, not quite. But he is delaying its demolition, in a hard-won victory for vocal alumni, including Matthew Weiner ’87. From a blog post today after meeting with Trustees (Roth’s words, my bold):
A topic that came up in various venues throughout the weekend concerned the future of McConaughy Hall. I knew the building well as a student, living just across from its front doors as a frosh. I remember with real fondness its grand staircase and wonderful light, and I also think back to some great parties and concerts I attended there. The building has been empty since I began my presidency, and since that time I’ve been trying to find an alternative use for it. The structure turns out to be terribly inefficient, and in great disrepair. Still, I had hopes that we might transform it (as we have done with Davenport and Fayerweather, and will do with Squash) for some community use.
I haven’t found an alternative use for MoCon. But given all the strong feeling, which I share, about trying to find alternative uses, I’ve delayed signing contracts for its demolition. The building has been here for almost 50 years, and I don’t take this decision lightly. But I also will not spend significant university funds every year without having a real function for the building. So, I am reviewing options (with appropriate professional guidance) one more time. I appreciate the input I’ve gotten, and I will be writing again soon on this subject.
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Gonna turn it into an aquarium.
Gonna turn it into an aquarium.
how does it cost $250,000 annually to leave a building there? they don’t heat it right? and they certainly don’t leave lights on like they excessively do in nearly every other building on campus. is that all taxes? i’m confused….
how does it cost $250,000 annually to leave a building there? they don’t heat it right? and they certainly don’t leave lights on like they excessively do in nearly every other building on campus. is that all taxes? i’m confused….
There should be a raffle held to see who gets to swing the first sledgehammer to that ugly building! Tear it down and try again!
There should be a raffle held to see who gets to swing the first sledgehammer to that ugly building! Tear it down and try again!
That is extremely expensive. It WOULD be nice to use it as a student performance space, or if we could knock it down and rebuild a space there that is not as costly to keep up.
That is extremely expensive. It WOULD be nice to use it as a student performance space, or if we could knock it down and rebuild a space there that is not as costly to keep up.
if the roof is on the verge of collapsing get rid of that shit already. we just lost a third of our endowment. tradition is important but we need to be realistic.
if the roof is on the verge of collapsing get rid of that shit already. we just lost a third of our endowment. tradition is important but we need to be realistic.
At the WSA meeting Sunday, Roth was asked about MoCon. In addition to what he posted on his blog, he explained that the cost to mothball the building is $550,000 (hazardous material has to be removed and the roof is on the verge of collapsing) and the annual upkeep cost for the empty building will be $250,000.
At the WSA meeting Sunday, Roth was asked about MoCon. In addition to what he posted on his blog, he explained that the cost to mothball the building is $550,000 (hazardous material has to be removed and the roof is on the verge of collapsing) and the annual upkeep cost for the empty building will be $250,000.
Oh, this is sweet.
Oh, this is sweet.