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Following Through On Past, Present and Future Master Plans

COT to vote on demolition of buildings on campus.

Pedestrian WalkwayThe Master Plans for Millersville University have included the demolition of several of the older buildings on campus for more than 20 years.  The Council of Trustees will vote on the demolition at their meeting on Wednesday, September 20. The buildings for consideration include the following:

  • Dauphin House – 19 East Frederick St. Built in 1911.
  • Allegheny House – 21 East Frederick St., Built in 1927
  • Armstrong Houseand Garage – 23 East Frederick St., Built in 1927
  • Susquehanna House and Garage – 29 East Frederick St., Built in 1950
  • Luzerne Building – 8 South High School Ave., Built in the 1950s or 1960s
  • Brooks Gym – 40 Brooks Dr., Built in 1938.

The buildings could be demolished as early as the summer of 2018, if other approvals are received.

“We have to justify the demolition of each building,” says Ron Frisbie, Project Manager for Capital Construction, Contracting and Design at Millersville University. “We go through an extensive review and approval procedures including first Historical Building Classifications; then Borough Demolition Permit Review; Ownership History;  State Historic Preservation Eligible for Listing in the National Register of Historic Places; Property Maintenance Code Reports; Certified Property Appraisals; Structural Engineer Reports; and Photo Documentations; which we present to Millersville Borough’s Historic Commission, Zoning Hearing Board, Planning Commission and finally Borough Council for a demolition permit – there’s a lot that is involved with getting the approvals.”

The buildings are slated for demolition for a variety of reasons ranging from not being to code, maintenance issues, usage, no parking, utility upgrades, abatement issues, handicap accessibility, future Master Plans requirements and also because the PASSHE guidelines formula based process for Inventory Adjustments and Future Space & Space Needs categories for the University is over in the square footage allotted for new academic program initiatives.

Once the buildings are demolished, the area will be replaced with one of three options; green space, parking or possibly a new building.

The demolition of the buildings is also contingent on a street vacation project between the University and the Borough creating an Academic Core – Pedestrian Walkway for the East Commons Master Plan on East Frederick Street. The University will be taking over ownership of partial East Frederick Street and Creek Drive, while the Borough will accept ownership of Centennial Drive.

 

 

 

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