Epworth bids its final farewell
Nine decades come to a close

February 13, 2004
by Carolyn Widman
Staff Reporter

Too old and too small to renovate, the Epworth physical laboratory building will serve its last two years on campus by temporarily housing the geology and physics departments before being torn down in 2006.

Epworth has been on Albion’s campus for almost 90 years and has been home to many different areas of study. Originally designed as a state-of-the-art laboratory, classroom, and office space in 1916, Epworth housed the physics department until the early 60s. Since then, it has been used as a “swing building,” accommodating many different departments while other buildings undergo renovation or construction.

Since the completion of the Putnam, Palenske, and Norris science complex in the early 60s, Epworth has been a temporary home to the economics and management department, Gerstacker and Ford Institutes, and most recently, the college’s administrative and business offices. Epworth has been vacant since the 2002 completion of the Ferguson building which now houses the administrative and business offices.

All academic buildings on campus have been renovated in the last 20 years, except for the science complex, which will begin its multi-million dollar makeover in May. During the extensive construction, the geology and physics departments will be based in Epworth.

“Epworth has been brought up to standard with new paint and carpet, and it’s all ready to go,” said George Race, technical services supervisor.

Furniture borrowed from Palenske will help make it functional for students, faculty, and staff who will use it during the science complex’s construction.

“I’ve never been in Epworth so I’m not sure how it will be, but I know it’s small, so it might be a little frustrating,” said Jayne Godlew, Beverly Hills sophomore and geology major. “It’s worth a year of probable cramping and disorganization to have a great complex for years to come.”

“We won’t need to displace any more departments after this,” said Kenneth Kolmodin, director of facilities and operations. Dale Dopp, vice president of business and finances, said the college’s plan is to make the main campus entrance through the quad, where Epworth stands now. With Epworth gone, the quad will be more open and accessible from Goodrich chapel, Fiske house, and Wesley.

“The idea of razing Epworth and creating a new and very inviting entry to the quad is exciting, and I think will be very attractive,” said President Peter Mitchell.

Epworth is a very old building, and some community members have addressed concern about tearing it down.

Kolmodin, however, counters these concerns: “There is no historical significance, other than its age.”

Kolmodin and Dopp both agree that it has always been the attitude of the college to preserve the architectural integrity of buildings whenever possible, but in the end, Epworth is simply not practical for modern day use.

“Epworth would be the last significant building to have architectural barriers preventing use by handicapped individuals,” Kolmodin said.

Amidst all the excitement of the updated science complex and a new look for the quad, one Albion tradition will be slighted after tearing down Epworth. Student organizations frequently use Epworth’s external stairwell as prime advertising space for events and meetings. Spray painted sheet signs are a constant presence on Epworth’s side and will be missed.

“It’s a campus tradition,” said Kim Illg, Naperville, Ill., senior. “Sheet signs are such good PR. Hopefully they’ll provide another way for students to creatively advertise.”