The renovated three-storey structure, spanning 82,100 square feet, imbibes advanced technologies in contrast to its traditional styling. The first floor comprises Charles Stewart Mott’s original fireplace-decked study with the wooden desk which has undergone a facelift keeping the 1960s retro look intact.
The upgraded second floor houses a library instruction room, a presentation practice room, increased study carrels and the Honours Programme office. Its third floor comprises new areas for the Testing Centre, Centre for Teaching and Learning as well as two labs.
The revamped library features wide spaces and glass walls. The furniture adorning the facility is in accord with its original mid-century tone which includes arch-backed chairs. The improved building also features soundproof study rooms, a glass-walled testing centre, new computers and labs, a faculty reading and grading room as well as a Smartroom to facilitate Power Point presentations. The entire facility now incorporates Wi-Fi service with desks and tables comprising outlets to allow students to plug in laptops.
Renovations have been carried out on the lobby of the library’s Event Centre to increase meeting area. In addition, the facility now features a 960 square feet stripped vegetated roof wrapped in ground plants which helps cut down and delay rainwater runoff and reduces energy consumption by providing increased insulation.
State capital improvement funds provided for 50% of the project money while the rest came from the $45 million bond renewal funds approved by voters in 2004.
