Nothing major, but good news for a building that serves as a hub for the neighborhood... and is definitely in need of an update.

Gannon University plans Nash Library renovations




http://www.goerie.com/gannon-univers...ry-renovations

Two new entrances.

New study spaces for students.

And -- for those late-night, caffeine-fueled study sessions -- a coffee shop.

Gannon University's Nash Library is getting a multimillion-dollar makeover.

A complete renovation of the exterior and interior of the 82,000-square-foot Sassafras Street building is on track to start July 1, said Linda Wagner, Gannon's vice president for finance and administration.

The university has hired Shelane Buehler, of Erie-based Buehler & Associates, and Mark Freeman, of Boston architectural firm Perry Dean Rogers & Partners Architects, to design the project.

The renovation will include the construction of two new entrances, one on West Sixth Street on the north side of the library, and one on West Seventh Street, on the south side. The current entrance off Sassafras Street will be closed off.

Inside, the design calls for the creation of many new student study spaces, ranging from rooms for one or two students to study in silence to more open, active spaces where small groups could collaborate. Some of the rooms will be equipped with whiteboards and display panels to which students could connect electronic devices. All furniture will be replaced.

The design reflects "how the mission of the library has changed," said Ken Brundage, director of the library.

Upstairs on the third floor of the building, windows look out onto a black membrane roof. That roof will be replaced with a green vegetative roof "not only to enhance views but to provide some sustainability to the design," Brundage said.


Seems like the library will follow the trend in transforming from a traditional library to more of a student commons/study center... especially with Gannon's recent purchase of the Verizon telecom building for use as a library.