KALAMAZOO (WKZO-AM) — Western Michigan University will be reopening its oldest building just in time for homecoming.
Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations Jim Thomas said the former East Hall will be rechristened as Heritage Hall during a special ceremony on Prospect Hill with school dignitaries Friday.
“It’s almost like everything is new except the frame,” Thomas said.
The building used to be drafty, inefficient and on the verge of collapse, but Thomas said that’s no longer the case.
“They had to redo the walls, they had to redo the floors,” Thomas said. “A quick example, it was built for 35 pounds per square foot, to walk on. Well, code now is 500 pounds.”
The U.S. Green Building Council is also expected to award the renovated structure its highest energy-efficiency status.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony will get underway at 2 p.m.
– Anthony Pollreisz
