Valders receives aesthetic overhaul

From outdated ramps to a safe and sturdy bridge, from yellowed tiles to a new mosaic and from a rarely-used study lounge to a new study hotspot, the changes in Valders Hall of Science have garnered much attention this year. Coming just one year after the completion of the new Sampson-Hoffland Laboratories, this renovation realizes a 79,600 square ft, $10.3 million project.

In addition to aesthetic changes, renovating the science hall was necessary to comply with federal code regarding gradient slope in ramps. According to Vice President for Finance and Administration Diane Tacke, the ramps weren’t up to the code established by the American Disability Act and had to be removed.

Tacke is pleased with the changes, noting the significant contrast in appearance between the old and
new styles.

“I love it,” Tacke said. “I call it Ty Pennington’s extreme makeover. It’s been one of the most amazing renovations here at Luther.”

Luther received roughly $950,000 from the Omnibus bill passed Feb. 25 to help pay for the renovations.

Among the important changes is the addition of air conditioning, which was incorporated while upgrading the mechanical systems. A sprinkler system was also installed to increase the fire safety of the building.

Other changes include upgraded elevators, four new classrooms, two new computer labs and a makeover of the lecture rooms.

Eric Maronde (‘12) expressed his approval of the changes.

“It’s so much more aesthetically pleasing,” Maronde said. “It was definitely worth the inconvenience of last years temporary classrooms.”

The project’s completion brought relief to the professors teaching there, as they have been working in temporary spaces for nearly a year. The professors teaching in Valders also took an active role in planning the changes.

The new changes also contribute to Luther’s sustainability goal as the building was renovated according to LEED standards, a set of criteria limiting a building’s consumption, carbon emissions and other environmental impacts.