Q&A: Eric Beattie, Director of Campus Planning, Design and Construction

A lot has changed around campus since students left in May. We checked in with Eric Beattie, director of Campus Planning, Design and Construction, on what the biggest changes were.

Eric Beattie

Q. What were the major projects this summer?

A. In Shaw Residence Hall, new finishes were completed, as well as outlets and lights in the student rooms and corridors of the facility. A new elevator was installed and new windows were installed. New bathrooms were constructed in the summer of 2013. Next summer, a new entrance and lobby will be constructed that will enable better and more secure traffic flow and ADA accessibility between the residence wings and the dining facility.

Graham Dining Hall was completely renovated this year with all new serving equipment and fixtures, new finishes and seating, new lighting and a new lobby and elevator that enable better traffic flow and ADA accessibility between all levels of the facility.

Also completed or underway this summer were the College of Law’s new Dineen Hall, Newhouse Mulitimedia Studios, Athletics indoor practice facility, Sims Drive reconstruction and renovations in Carnegie Library.

 Q. What differences do you think students will have noticed on their return to campus?

A. I think what probably stood out most to the students were lots of landscaping improvements, painting, carpet replacement and classroom renovations.

The reading room of Carnegie Library after remodeling

Q. Was this a bigger than usual summer for construction?

A. We were very busy this summer between the maintenance and repair projects, renovations and construction of the new Dineen Hall and indoor practice facility.

Q. You’ve been here a number of years now. What would you say are the overall changes you’ve seen on the campus? Is there something you’re most proud of?

A. Fulfilling current and future needs to enhance the academic and student life experience is a demanding task. We also work continuously to renovate and make improvements to existing facilities and the overall quality of the campus.

One thing I’m very proud of from an aesthetic standpoint is removing the parking lot on the Quad in front of Bowne and Carnegie halls.