The Commentator

Yeshiva University officials have developed a major plan to improve the interior spaces of campus buildings. The purpose is to create more usable room and to provide students, faculty and staff on campus with what Vice President of Administrative Services Jeff Rosengarten calls "an improved quality of life through a more pleasant and functional environment ." 

"What we are essentially doing," said Mr. Rosengarten, "is proceeding with a comprehensive space plan-one which evaluates the need for space in our facilities and evaluates how to make better use of every area."

One part of the plan being developed involves a new spacious lobby to better accommodate those studying and working in Belfer Hall. Stairs from the newly renovated concourse level and basement would empty into the upgraded lobby, potentially reducing unnecessary elevator traffic.

The underground floors in Belfer have already begun to take on different appearances. Measures have been taken to adjust the coloring and lighting on these floors, and even to install windows in classrooms and offices looking out to the hallways, in order to alleviate the issues usually associated with enclosed space.

"Plans for renovating the sixth floor of Belfer are underway as well," said Mr. Rosengarten, adding that the fifth and sixth floors will hopefully be joined by a functional interior staircase to help foster the sense of community between the faculty and students on those floors. Construction of this project may be completed as early as next summer.

Another major component of the ambitious project involves making the library more accessible to its users. Currently, access by means of stairs from the ground floor to the main floors of the Mendel Gottesman Library, is restricted; one must take an elevator.

In the near future, however, this will not be the case. The Jacob and Dreizel Glueck Center for Jewish Study, now under construction, will eventually connect with the neighboring library. This would provide people with entrance to the library from both buildings and enable them to walk one flight of stairs to the main circulation desk. This project is expected to be completed by the end of 2008.

Furst Hall is also in the process of being renovated. According to Mr. Rosengarten, the lab rooms that are in the basement will be moved to new facilities in Belfer and the entire floor will become the headquarters of ITS.

In addition to renovating these locations at the Wilf Campus, major changes have already been accomplished at the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law. Also, the Steinberg Library at the Beren Campus may soon be reconfigured to occupy three contiguous floors with an interior staircase to provide easy access and connections between levels.

With all the future construction planned for the campuses, however, Mr. Rosengarten admitted that occasionally there is concern over the amount of noise that will stem from the numerous projects and concern about whether people on campus will be willing to cope with the inconvenience.  

A variety of measures is being taken regarding the noise level, including the distribution of small PA systems to help overcome the distraction. In addition, according to Mr. Rosengarten, the bulk of loud construction is normally done over the summer. "We try to do our best to minimize disruption during classes and students generally are pleased and excited with the progress they see regarding campus renovation and enhancement." He explained, "Students and faculty should feel that they could not go anywhere else and feel more comfortable and be more proud of where they are."

Article Tools