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Xavier University

Xavier University is a private Jesuit liberal-arts university in Cincinnati, Ohio with a current enrollment of 4,000 undergraduate students and 2,600 graduate students. Xavier's part-time MBA program is nationally ranked, according to the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business and is currently ranked 14th by U.S. News and World Report.(1) Xavier's mission statement states that it is "dedicated to engaging and forming students intellectually, morally and spiritually, with rigor and compassion, toward lives of solidarity, service, and success."(1)

The Xavier University campus is approximately 125 acres large and features two central malls, and several notable structures, including the Gallagher Student Center, which includes dining options, a bank and student support services.

In 2001, Xavier dedicated the Lindner Family Physics Building, and closed a portion of Ledgewood Avenue and created the Academic and Residential Malls. Hinkle, Schmidt and Edgecliff Halls were renovated, and the Bellarmine Chapel was restored.(13)

Hoff Academic Quad

The Hoff Academic Quad is a 9.5-acre quad that will feature over 170,000 square feet of new academic space, under construction along Ledgewood Drive.(8)(18) The Quad will feature three new facilities: the Conaton Learning Commons, a complex for the Williams College of Business and a central utility plant.(4)(18) It also includes 12 acres of site improvements, such as landscaping and fountains, and a large open space bearing the name of James E. Hoff, S.J., 33rd president of Xavier.(11) Stairs leading from the existing academic mall to the Quad will be named St. Ignatius Steps.(5)

The $115 million project was funded through the "To See Great Wonders" capital campaign and a bond issue.(5)(18) In March 2008, Xavier submitted proposals for approximately $80 million in funding, of which $25.6 million would be directed to the Quad development, including the renovation of Alter, Schott and McDonald Library.(6) Another $10 million was requested for the Central Utility Plant to increase energy efficiency. In addition, through 2009, the capital campaign generated $185 million towards its goal of $200 million.(18)

All of the structures are being developed to LEED Silver certification standards,(5) although Xavier will not officially apply for LEED certification.(17) The Quad will feature reflective roofing materials, extensive landscaping, low-flow plumbing fixtures, heating and ventilation systems free of CFCs and high-performance windows. Low-VOC paints and carpets will be selected, and recycled, composite wood products are being chosen to reduce formaldehyde usage. Additionally, more than 75% of construction waste was diverted from landfills, and project materials were sourced regionally, reducing energy required for transport. Excavated soil from the project was donated to help restore Owl’s Nest Park in O’Byronville.(15) Wooden Nickel, a local architectural salvage firm, went through the buildings to salvage architecturally unique items.(12)

Houses along Ledgewood Avenue, which served as student residences and University offices,(14) along with a Cincinnati Bell structure, were demolished beginning on September 8 in preparation for the Hoff Quad project.(5)(12) Ground was broken on the 26th on what was described as "the most sweeping project in the university's 177 years."(9)(10) By October, concrete foundations were laid for the new buildings.

On June 30, 2009, the Hoff Academic Quad was topped off, with approximately 130 people on hand for the topping out ceremony.(7) Topping out occurs when the last steel beam or structural element is installed, and signifies that construction has reached the maximum height without loss or injury.

The Quad is expected to open in August 2010.(16)(18)

Other related projects

Renovations and relocations were proposed for Hailstones Hall, Schott Hall, Alter Hall and the McDonald Library.(5) In December 2009, the construction of a new classroom structure to replace Alter Hall was temporarily delayed for financial reasons as well as to give the University time to complete a study of its current classroom and laboratory space.(16) Minor renovation work is planned for Schott Hall and McDonald Library.

Further reading

1. Xaiver University
2. Xavier University Campus Master Plan by Shepley Bulfinch
3. Xavier University Hoff Academic Quad

Sources

1. "About Xavier." Xavier University Article.
2. "Williams College of Business." Xavier University 28 Aug. 2009 Article.
3. "Conaton Learning Commons." Xavier University 28 Aug. 2009 Article.
4. "James E. Hoff, S.J., Academic Quad." Xavier University. 28 Aug. 2009 Article.
5. "Hoff Academic Quad facts." Xavier University 24 Sept. 2008. 28 Aug. 2009 Article.
6. LaFollette, John. "University seeking Ohio stimulus funds." Xavier Newswire 18 March 2009. 28 Aug. 2009 Article.
7. "Topping Out Hoff Academic Quad." Xavier University 1 July 2009. 16 Oct. 2009 Article.
8. LeMaster, Kevin. "Xavier's Hoff Quad underway." Soapbox. 9 Sept. 2008. 16 Oct. 2009 Article.
9. LeMaster, Kevin. "Xavier's 'most sweeping project in 177 years' breaks groundSource: Soapbox." Soapbox. 30 Sept. 2008. 16 Oct. 2009 Article.
10. "Groundbreaking ceremony on Friday, Sept. 26, kicks off creation of the Hoff Academic Quadrangle." Xavier University 26 Sept. 2008. 21 Oct. 2009 Article.
11. "More than 500 Witness Groundbreaking Celebration for Xavier's Hoff Aacdemic Quadrangle." Xavier University 8 Oct. 2008. 3 Nov. 2009 Article.
12. "Xavier begins demolition of houses to make room for start of Hoff Academic Quad construction." Xavier University 8 Sept. 2008. 3 Nov. 2009 Article.
13. "Groundbreaking ceremony on Friday, Sept. 26, kicks off creation of the Hoff Academic Quadrangle." Xavier University 26 Sept. 2008. 3 Nov. 2009 Article.
14. "Salvage Work Continues at Ledgewood Avenue Homes." Xavier University 7 July 2008. 3 Nov. 2009 Article.
15. "Excavation Work Begins on Site of New Williams College of Business." Xavier University 28 Oct. 2008. 3 Nov. 2009 Article.
16. "Board of Trustees Approve New Residence Hall." Xavier University. 17 Dec. 2009. 18 Dec. 2009 Article.
17. Interview.
18. Hill, Robert. "Big Dividends." Xavier Fall 2009: 26-31. Print.