Windows without screens, wasp nests and poor lighting are among the things that have led to Park University’s executive staff members agreeing to tour Alumni Hall to assess the need for possible renovations.

While the building’s skeleton is deemed strong, the inside of Alumni Hall is in need of attention. Safety concerns are at the top of the list, according to Assistant Professor of Art and Program Coordinator of Fine Art Andrea Lee, Ph.D. The executive staff will be touring the building sometime this spring, along with receiving feedback from both faculty and students.

Alumni Hall was built in the 1950s, and the fine art program has been located there since.

“Fourth floor Alumni Hall was intended to be the main art classrooms,” said Lee.

However, Alumni Hall hasn’t been renovated since its construction. According to adata.org, the Americans with Disabilities Act was signed into law in 1990, so an elevator wouldn’t just be a welcome addition, it would be a necessity. Currently, students with disabilities don’t have access to the fourth-floor studio space. While the art classes usually held there can be moved to more accessible classrooms elsewhere on campus, making Park ADA compliant, many of the art supplies and equipment can’t be as easily relocated.

“We’ve grown a lot and added more programs. The art program has really grown out of the space,” she said. Programs like interior and graphic design didn’t exist when the space was designed.

While no changes are confirmed, the executive staff will announce their plans and thoughts once they tour the building later this month.