Van Munching Hall - Site Improvements - 2005

In 2005, the Smith School was surrounded by construction, both inside and outside Van Munching Hall. Refurbishment of the old wing of the building was wrapping up. The renovations included enhancements like new paint, carpet, and technology upgrades in some of the classrooms.

Outside the building, "Southwest District Improvements" project finished at the beginning of 2006. This involved the removal of the parking lot in front of Van Munching Hall, which will is now a park-like stretch of greenery, trees and pedestrian walkways. Specific tasks included: removal of trees, demolition of asphalt paving, regrading of the entire site, and installation of new turf areas, brick paved sidewalks, and trees and shrubbery. In 2007, the addition of a clocktower and additional site improvements were completed.

The company working on the $3-million project, which is partially funded by money from Robert H. Smith, is Ruppert Nurseries. Phase II of the project, which is the completion of the northern end of Lot M, was done along with the North Wing addition to Van Munching Hall.

Artist's rendering of Southwest District Improvements - Phase 1