Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE – Less than a year since citizens cast their votes in favor of a bond funding improvements at campuses across the state, $2 million in renovations and upgrades were completed at Folsom Hall at the University of Maine at Presque Isle.
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
The University of Maine at Presque Isle celebrated the completion of $2 million in renovation work to Folsom Hall with a Rededication Ceremony and ribbon cutting. On stage are, from left: Rick Nadeau of A&L Construction; Mark Carter of North Peak Architecture; David St. Peter, UMPI’s manager of Physical Facilities; Barry McCrum, University of Maine System Board of Trustees member; and UMPI President Don Zillman.
A re-dedication ribbon-cutting ceremony was held Oct. 30 to mark the reopening of the facility, which serves as UMPI’s major classroom building.
Local and state dignitaries joined campus officials and others at the event, marking the completion of the project, “on time and under budget,” according to UMPI President Don Zillman.
“The bond referendum won by a margin of 51-49. The project was put out to bid and subsequently was completed on time and under budget,” said Zillman.
The project included upgrading doors and windows to be more energy-efficient, as well as updating classrooms, creating a lounge area and a snack bar.
“Folsom is now more energy-efficient. It’s great. Improvements have been made to classroom learning spaces,” said Zillman.
David St. Peter, UMPI’s manager of Physical Facilities, said the building underwent some major changes to bring it up to date. The campus continues to be a ‘green’ leader in its effort to reduce the need for using fossil fuels.
“The building needed a lot of work, especially its infrastructure. We’re moving forward for the next 30-40 years and reducing our carbon footprint,” said St. Peter. “We were able to do that using a series of heat pumps.”
St. Peter said the building was so efficient now, “When the sun heats up one side, it goes into a filter system and heats the other side.”
“We wanted to make sure we had technology up to date,” he said.
The upgrades will help keep the building nice and cool on hot days, while keeping it nice and warm on cold days. With winter not far away, campus officials and students alike are looking forward to a more comfortable atmosphere inside the structure this season.
“Our primary goal was making sure students are in a comfortable environment,” said St. Peter.
The upgrades, including new insulation, are expected to reduce fuel consumption in the building this year by an estimated 25,000 gallons.
The improvements also addressed issues regarding handicap access.
“We had some ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) issues. Now we’re handicap accessible, including the bathrooms,” said St. Peter.
Chuck Weiss, UMPI Student Senate president, acknowledged how the facility will now better serve the student body.
“The money put into this was wisely used. We’re going forward with green initiatives. This much-needed project will benefit the whom campus community,” said Weiss.
Students once had to trek across campus to the Campus Center when hunger struck, but now a quick trip to the snack bar on the first floor will help fend off those tummy rumbles. Long-time UMPI employee Marie Dumais, known to many from her many years serving lunches at the Owl’s Nest, now serves customer at her new location in Folsom.
“I’ve been working at the University for 38 years. I love meeting and getting to know people. I love what I do and look forward to my position here at Folsom,” said Dumais. “And now there’s a lounge to relax in right across the hall.”
Zillman is hoping to one day do similar upgrades to Folsom’s sister building, Pullen Hall.
“We’d love to make a matched set (of the buildings) one of these days,” said Zillman.
Zillman was pleased with the work performed by A&L Contruction and North Peak Architecture.
“The work was completed on time and under budget. They did a great job,” said Zillman. “No one expected (Folsom) to be ready for classes, but ready we were.”
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
MARIE DUMAIS looks forward to working in the new snack bar located in Folsom Hall. Dumais spent many years serving customers at the Owl’s Nest at the Campus Center.
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
University officials presented a token of their gratitude for the local construction crews who finished the Folsom Hall project on time and under budget. Receiving the hats on behalf of the work crew are, from left: Rick Nadeau of A&L Construction and Mark Carter of North Peak Architecture. Presenting the hats are David St. Peter, UMPI’s manager of Physical Facilities, and President Don Zillman.
