Work was recently completed on the Gordon College Master Plan and the public is invited to visit the campus and view the report.
"It is important for us to not only meet the growing needs of our growing student population but of the community around us," said Gordon College President Lawrence Weill. "We want to be a good neighbor. Implementing the findings of this plan will help us meet our needs and be a good neighbor."
In March 2007 the Campus Master Plan Committee, which was comprised of college officials, architects, historic preservation planners and local government representatives, met to evaluate three plans. From those meetings, a single plan was developed that addressed several principles:
* Reinforce the College's mission and goals by organizing facilities and spaces to enhance a smooth transition into a four-year institution
* Create a coherent campus through building aesthetics and signage
* Promote learning and interaction in both interior and exterior spaces
* Celebrate historic buildings and open spaces on campus
* Enhance the pedestrian experience and locate parking on the perimeter of the campus
* Connect the campus and the community physically and culturally
The 79-page plan covers the architectural history of the school, goals of the Campus Master Plan, existing campus conditions and plans to address anticipated growth through the year 2015.
Residents will start seeing some aspects of the plan at work as soon as this summer as the brick spires and iron work that surround the campus along College Drive are removed. This will make for a softer, more welcoming view of the campus. Plans also call for widening the sidewalks and planting trees.
There are copies of the plan available for viewing at the Community Education Building on Spencer Street. Parking is easily accessible either from College Drive (near its intersection with Spencer Street) or from the drive next to the Welcome Center on Spencer Street. The Plan will be available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays.
For more information, or if you have questions, contact Rhonda Toon, vice president of Institutional Advancement, at rhondat@gdn.edu or call her at 770-358-5124.