Build-up Includes Ch‚teau Makeover

Author: Chelsea Coffin

In addition to brand new junior and senior housing and an ellipsoidal dining hall, the Atwater Commons Project readies for another full-on facelift next summer with Le Ch‚teau, Allen Hall and Coffrin Hall.

Built in 1925 and modeled after the French Pavillion Henri IV of the Ch‚teau de Fontainebleau, Le Ch‚teau was used as the French language house in the past. Although the French house has relocated to 51 Franklin Street, Le Ch‚teau continues to accommodate the offices of most of the French Department.

Some tentative changes may include a stronger French influence in the building, with the relocation and addition of French Department offices. In addition, a small space may be dedicated to French culture with a library, maps and books.

In the basement, the kitchen equipment would be removed. The space that made up by the old dining hall and the kitchen would be replaced by an intimate multi-purpose performance space to be used primarily by foreign language functions and secondarily for Atwater Commons events. Atwater Commons also would gain a study lounge and a television lounge.

Other plans for the renovation would include an upgrade to "smart" classrooms and improved access in accordance with the American Disabilities Act. The project currently has no budget, since it is in very early planning stages. Mark Gleason, the project manager for Facilities Planning, emphasized, "This is all very tentative. There are no firm plans yet." Facilities Planning is still playing with options for Le Ch‚teau project.

Construction of the junior and senior dormitories and the new dining hall will continue through the winter, and renovation of Le Ch‚teau and Allen Hall is slated to begin in the summer, along with the connection of several suite arrangements in Coffrin Hall. All construction projects must be completed by the fall of 2004, when Atwater Commons is slated to be the next fully completed commons.

Gleason was quick to point out that nothing will happen to the Grand Salon because it is a "central space of Le Ch‚teau." In addition, he does not anticipate that the renovation will directly affect dormitory life. The construction will only occur in the basement and on the first floor, sufficiently removed from the residents living on the second floor. There will be no renovation of student rooms.