By Graham Johnson
Reporter
March 31, 2006
Any “cool” thoughts residents of Webb and Sutton had of next fall had can be forgotten. President Jeanes announced in an e-mail sent on March 14 that air conditioning units would not be installed in the two dormatories this coming summer as previously planned due to unforeseen conflicts.
“We asked the trustees in October for permission to put in air conditioning,” Jeanes said. “(An architect) reviewed the situation and made some suggestions for modification.”
A fire marshal then reviewed the plans and informed Milligan that sprinkler systems would have to be installed if air conditioning units were put in the dorms.
“The price kept escalating to the point that it was greater than we could afford at this time” Jeanes said.
Other methods to complete the project were discussed, but no financially acceptable solution was found.
“We looked at other options, such as PTAC (Packaged Terminal Air-Conditioner units) like those you find in the Hampton Inn or Comfort Inn, but that would require significant modification,” Jeanes said.
PTAC units range from about $500 to $700 each, much more than window units cost.
So for the time being, students will have to bear the hot weather. However, there is still hope for the future.
“We will continue to make improvements,” said Jeanes. “Dorm improvement will likely be a primary focus of our next capital campaign.”