The academic building will be constructed to meet Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) silver certification. It will adjoin a new plaza which will be constructed next to the Franklin F. Moore Library and Memorial Hall. The academic building, covering an area of 21,250 square feet, will include 15 faculty and departmental offices and 12 classrooms and seminar rooms, including a lecture hall with a capacity of 150 seats.
The HVAC systems and energy performance of Memorial Hall are also planned to be upgraded. The auditorium in the Bart Luedeke Center will see an expansion of 11,000 square feet, creating a complete teaching and production theater with a capacity to seat 350 people. This auditorium project will include a green room, two dressing rooms, several offices, and additional stage depth and performance practice space. Enhanced lighting and sound systems are planned for the theater.
The theater expansion will use sustainable construction methods which will include a white roof for heat reflection, energy-efficient HVAC equipment, regional construction materials and recycling of the construction waste.
The project, designed by Spiezle Architectural Group, will receive most of the funding from donations. The new facilities will be constructed at a cost of $13 million and are slated to open by 2011.
