Peters renovation squeaks by under budget

"It's a very interesting place," Kweitklwski said, "If you rate it one to ten, it's a ten-and-a-half."

After over one year of structural renovation, Peters is ready to re-open its doors to the public. The noise of construction machinery will cease in early June, and the new tenants will move in. The college hopes the community will agree with Kweitklwski's assessment of the building.

The Board of Trustees authorized a plan to overhaul Peters in May 1995. The expense of the project, which is estimated at $4.7 million, was partly financed by alumni contributions.

"People wanted to save it," Raynsford said, "They submitted everything from five dollar checks."

The renovation attempted to preserve Peters' historical character. "This one was definitely a rough job," Kweitklwski said, "It's hard to keep things preserved."

Although the renovation was able to save the enormous stone fireplace and restore a granite and marble fountain that was once situated in the grand hall, the squeaky hard wood floors have been covered with commercial carpet.

"Some people said you can't eliminate that squeak," Raynsford said, "They said it's part of Peters."

Those people's fears were quieted when it became clear that despite carpeting, the squeak would remain. According to Raynsford, the subdued squeak will be appreciated by professors teaching in the building.

The changes to the grand hall are barely discernible to the untrained eye. Small black fire sprinklers in the ceiling have been added to adjust for fire regulations. "The hall is probably the most sentimental aspect of the building," Raynsford said.

The large open stairway remains untouched and uncarpeted. However, a visitor to Peters is forced to change his path on the second floor. In order to fulfill safety regulations prohibiting an open staircase between more than two floors, the open staircase to the third floor has been filled in with a large concrete block.

Peters was closed last year after Vice President of Operations Donna Raynsford discovered the building did not meet safety codes.

"From a safety standard, we really needed to look at it," Raynsford said, "It was a firetrap."

To comply with safety codes, a new entryway has been built and elevator access has been increased. The stairs to the observatory have been entirely rebuilt, shortening what was once a treacherous 10 minute trip to a mere stroll. Leo Evans, assistant director for planning and construction, said the building has been made fully compliant with American with Disabilities Act regulations.

Peters will house the offices of Residential Life, Academic Advising, Student Academic Services, Learning Assistance and the Counseling Center. The Romance Languages, East Asian Studies, German, Russian and Judaic Studies departments will also be located in the building.

Associate Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences Carol Lasser said, "We tried to turn the departments' dreams into reality within the constraints of the world. The new language lab will dramatically enhance learning in modern foreign languages. We're very, very excited."

The new computers, sprinklers and lighting systems are wrapped in shiny new walls. The exterior of Peters was thoroughly cleaned. The sections of the building from which the fire escape were removed have been replaced with gray stone. The iron oxide will eventually leak out of the stones, leaving the building a pristine ivory.

"It looks good," Kwietklwski said, "We're pleased. I hope the College is."

Top: Construction workers add finishing touches to new dimmable lights. The renovation of Peters included the installation of new lights, cable and data wiring.

Bottom left: The new language lab on the third floor of Peters. The lab will service students in every language department and will include computers and private listening rooms. Peters will have a definite international flavor, encompassing language departments, the Study Abroad office and the new lab. (photo by Susanna Henighan)