Alumni gathering around the front of Ellis Hall to go on a tour of the newly renovated building.
By Sierra Heilman
Bobcats from near and far gathered together on homecoming weekend in October to reminisce on their time here, and some of them took an insider tour of one of Ohio University’s most beautiful buildings on campus, Ellis Hall, which was put on display for friends of Ellis to experience in its final stages of renovation.
New student collaborative workspace in Ellis Hall.
Alumni were encouraged to come check out the progress of the beloved building, and everyone who came was very impressed.
- Alumni and the campus community also are invited to the ribbon cutting open house on Jan. 18, 2019, at 1 p.m. Please RSVP online by Dec. 21.
From left, Professor Emeritus George Weckman and Dr. Linda Rice, English Chair.
Reminiscing on the Good Old Days
The project leader of this renovation, Garrett Karr, was very kind to give the tours. He has seen Ellis Hall make a complete 360 degree turn, but one thing that has remained the same is the craftsmanship of the bricks.
“Ellis has the most amazing brickwork. It’s very ornate, but it’s also simple,” he said. That’s a great way to put it. Ellis is one of a kind.
We were honored to have an alumna come and share her story of having her very first class in this building when she attended the university years ago. The look on her face was full of excitement to see the building still up and running.
She said, “It was amazing! I remember walking to my very first class in this building as a freshman from right over there in Scott’s Quad. Ellis is a beautiful building and always has been.”
Alumni and faculty get ready to tour Ellis.
Happier and Healthier Environment
We love everything about the old Ellis Hall, but there is something about this new building. I talked to Gerri Lux, who excitedly told me, “This new floor plan gives new energy to people. Students, faculty, and staff are all excited to come back.” She believes that this renovation will create a new atmosphere where people want to learn and find new motivation to be inspired.
Colorful glass work and maps in the student collaborative space
Lux also came out thinking how much she loves the open floor plan. This is going to create a place where people come to hang out, learn, and thrive together. The architects have incorporated elements to this place that truly makes this a better place for everyone.
Karr informed us all that they’ve done things to specifically make it a better environment, like putting in transoms. These are used to transfer natural light into the building and offices. This eliminates the stuffy, artificial light that can put a damper on people’s ability to work efficiently.
This new natural light will create a happier, healthier, and more productive environment.
Part of glass wall with map in the new student commons of Ellis Hall.
Connection Between Community and Education
Those who took this tour noticed on the second floor they put in beautiful glass work. It was so interesting to learn that the design is actually a mixture of old blueprints of Ellis and parts of the new blueprint. What a brilliant concept! Not only that, but they’ve incorporated maps of the city of Athens and Ohio University.
“The custom glass work is smart and shows the connection between community and education,” Lux said.
The faculty also is excited to be back in their classrooms and students are excited to get back into their favorite building. Don’t forget to check out all of the amazing work that has gone into Ellis Hall at the January 18th for the ribbon-cutting open house.
Chairs Jack Bender, Linda Rice and William Owens get ready to show alumni and friends Ellis renovations.
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