For Immediate Release Contact: Patrick T. Nolan
Oct. 19, 2005 Communications Specialist (Mgr.)
860-713-5790
www.ct.gov/dpw
or
Governor Rell, Public Works And SCSU Celebrate
Groundbreaking At Buley Library In New Haven
Connecticut Governor M. Jodi Rell, State Department of Public Works Commissioner James T. Fleming, and Southern Connecticut State University President Cheryl J. Norton hosted a groundbreaking ceremony for additions and major renovations at SCSU’s Hilton C. Buley Library in New Haven on October 18, 2005.
The $64 million construction project will more than double the size of the existing facility and transform it into a modern, state-of-the-art university library.
Governor Rell stated, “We are the leader in public education. This project at Southern Connecticut State University’s Buley Library is the best investment we can make for the generations that are to come. We are committed to learning, to investing in our students, and to keeping jobs in Connecticut. Indeed, we are making Connecticut the first choice for our college students.”
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DPW Commissioner Fleming, whose agency is administering the project, said, “In many ways the library is the heart of a university. By modernizing this library and making it a model of the future, we are transforming the entire university. I am confident that our work at Buley Library will meet the highest expectations of the students that Southern serves.”
“Buley Library has served as hub of learning on Southern's campus for 35 years," said SCSU President Norton. "The expansion and renovation of our library will feature the latest in information technology and allow for greatly increased book collections and study space, creating the best possible environment for teaching and research."
Speakers at the groundbreaking ceremony, in addition to Connecticut Governor Rell, DPW Commissioner Fleming and SCSU President Norton, included Anne Buley Whitman, a Buley family member; Lawrence D. McHugh, Chairman, Connecticut State University Board of Trustees; and Edward C. Harris, Dean, School of Communication, Information and Library Science.
The architects for the project are Arbonies King Vlock of Branford and Shepley Bulfinch Richardson and Abbott of Boston, the contractor is The Pike Company of Rochester, NY, and the construction administrator is Fusco Corporation of New Haven.
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The scope of the project includes an addition consisting of 135,000 square feet of new space and renovations to 98,000 square feet of the existing library. The project will be accomplished in two phases over a four-year period. No interruptions in service are planned throughout the project.
When completed in the fall of 2009, the new library will feature modern stack space, an art gallery, computer lounges, study space, conference rooms, and administrative offices.
The state Department of Public Works is responsible for the design and construction of major capital building projects (except highways and bridges) for most state agencies, leasing and acquisitions statewide, and facility management, maintenance and security of state buildings in the greater Hartford area.