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The State University of New York at Fredonia is renovating the plaza near Maytum Hall, McEwen Hall and Reed Library.
The two-year, $5.3 million project is funded through the State University Construction Fund. It will include concrete repairs and additional work to improve accessibility.
Concrete paving will be replaced on the entire ground-level portion of the plaza. There will also be repairs to concrete in the amphitheatre and a ramp will be installed there to improve stage access.
Pavers next to the second floor of Reed Library and McEwen Hall will get replaced, as will steps leading to that area. More handrails will be installed next to the steps. Lighting will be added throughout the plaza, including on the handrails, and additional electrical outlets will get installed to allow more events in the space.
"The plaza and connected walkways are literally in the heart of SUNY Fredonia's academic complex, and these renovations will restore the original functionality while improving the aesthetics and safety of the area and protecting I.M. Pei and Partners' original campus design," said SUNY Fredonia President Stephen Kolison Jr. "It will be exciting to see this vital intersection on our beautiful campus improved and updated."
The project will require fencing around the area, which was installed this week. The contractors will then establish an access road within the quad between Maytum/Reed and Mason halls extending from Symphony Circle to McEwen Hall.
The creation of the access road will require the move of two artworks installed in the area. SUNY Fredonia consulted with the original artists on the appropriate handling of each piece to ensure they are protected and preserved. "Popeye," the red circular sculpture between Maytum Hall and Rockefeller Arts Center, will be disassembled and placed in storage until the project is completed, while "Stockpiles" will be moved to another visible location on campus.