R.I.P. Epworth

Story and photos by Morris Arvoy

Epworth Hall, which began life in 1916 as home of the physics department and in recent years served as temporary office space for a variety of departments, is in the final stages of a demolition that is being conducted with an eye toward limiting the environmental impact.

The Epworth project is more of a dismantling, as a great amount of the materials from the building are being preserved for future use, according to Donald Masternak, Albion College associate director of facilities. In keeping with the College’s philosophy of environmentally friendly campus projects, such as the College’s new “green” science complex, most of Epworth will be finding a “good home,” he said.

“It won’t end up in a landfill,” Masternak said of the three-story hall, one of the earliest examples of steel and concrete construction in the area. Because of its structure, the building has been more challenging to bring down than other recently razed College buildings and houses, he noted.

“Unlike the explosive demolition frequently seen on television this will be a slow and deliberate process,” said Kenneth Kolmodin, director of facilities. Before demolition began, usable bookcases, desks, and other furniture were installed elsewhere on campus or put into storage. Once demolition got underway on July 16, the first building material to go were the Spanish roof tiles, which were sold to an Illinois restoration roofing firm. Metal from the building is being salvaged for recycling, and there are plans to reuse the valuable limestone base and engraved name plating from the building’s façade.

“Even sod and landscaping materials have been reused,” Kolmodin added.

Once cleared, the area will revert to green space, opening up the Quadrangle for never-before-seen views of Goodrich Chapel (dedicated in 1958) and Wesley Hall (dedicated in 1925). Future plans include creating a more formal “boulevard walk” connecting Goodrich and Wesley to the Quad, Kolmodin said.

Other projects

In addition to the demolition of Epworth and regular seasonal maintenance, the College has undertaken a variety of other campus improvements this summer, according to Masternak. These include the renovation of Olin Hall, significant additions to the Nancy G. Held Equestrian Center, the upgrading of the electrical wiring on the Quad, and the installation of a new irrigation system for the Quad and surrounding areas.