Walk along Center Avenue Mall in the heart of campus and you’ll notice a striking sight: a revitalized Willard O. Eddy Hall. Windows now line its entrance, creating an open and inviting feel. Outdoor lounge areas and a redesigned courtyard offer sunlit relaxation. Venture deeper into the new and improved Eddy, however, and you will discover that the transformation goes far beyond its outer shell.
Eddy Hall (then called Liberal Arts) in 1968.
A staple of CSU for over fifty years, Eddy Hall houses 20,000 students annually, more than most buildings on campus. Since its 1963 construction Eddy has seen much activity but no major renovations. The 1997 flood inundated the Eddy basement with water, devastating the departments housed there and damaging the bottom floor of the building. Colorado’s state legislature agreed that Eddy was in need of rejuvenation, awarding CSU a total of almost $12 million for renovations by 2013. The College of Liberal Arts coordinated with CSU Facilities, Pinkard Construction, and 4240 Architecture to plan the transformation. Renovations were completed over the last academic year, with the building opening for summer classes in May.
The revitalization has truly been transformative. The addition of over 3,000 square feet has provided additional classroom space, as well as “Eddy’s Eddies” – areas where students can gather between classes. A newly created east entryway improves student flow. Rolling tables and chairs allow a variety of learning styles to be incorporated in the classroom. Widened stairways and doorways, gender neutral restrooms, and color-coded navigation not only increase accessibility but support a positive learning experience for all.
“I think visitors, students, staff and faculty will find the new Eddy Hall bright, cheerful, and easy to navigate,” says Bruce Ronda, Associate Dean for Faculty and Graduate Studies in the College of Liberal Arts. Ronda was the college’s liaison for the building project and was deeply involved in its planning and construction. “For so many of us, Eddy is where we spend many hours each day. Now, it is a more inviting and functional home, truly a welcoming place for learning, teaching, and reflecting.”
Inhabitants of the building now include the English, Philosophy, and Ethnic Studies departments, the University Writing Center, and the Center for Women’s Studies & Gender Research. The College of Liberal Arts encourages you to stop by and see the new Eddy for yourself. The building is currently holding classes and open Monday-Friday for visitors.