The University is looking at demolishing Harrelson Hall and building another building to replace it, a project totaling $36 million, according to Lisa Johnson, associate university architect.
The plans will take place within the next 10 years, according to Johnson.
Plans have been in the works since 2003, when the Office of the University Architect conducted a study that concluded that it would be more effective to replace the building than to renovate it, she said.
“Currently, Harrelson has several code deficiencies with the [American Disabilities Association],” Johnson said.
The 2003 study mentioned the sloping of classroom floors, current classroom quality, and the fire safety of the central ramp as some of the factors the University would need to address in a potential renovation of the building. Even then, the structure of the building would leave some inherent deficiencies with the ADA code.
“Instead, the University decided to demolish the building and replace it with a smaller, fully accessible facility,” Johnson said.
Until the building is demolished, departments from around campus will use it for temporary offices while their own buildings are renovated or replaced.
The mathematics department, the last permanent occupant of Harrelson, will move into the new math and statistics building before the end of the year.
Classes will also continue to be held in the building until its expected demolition.
“There’s no specific date right now, but within ten years is likely,” Ron Grote, administrative officer for the associate vice chancellor of facilities, said.
Classroom space from Harrelson will be allocated to several other buildings over the next few years, including the math and statistics building and buildings that the engineering departments vacate as they continue to move to Centennial Campus.
“It has 58 classrooms, the most of any building on campus,” Johnson said.
In terms of classroom space, Johnson said that the math and statistics building would only be taking the equivalent of one floor of Harrelson.
According to the 2003 study, 84 percent of all undergraduate students take at least one class in Harrelson during their time at N.C. State, and 54 percent of all students take a class in the building annually.
While the new building probably won’t be completed before any current students graduate, some students said they are ready for Harrelson to be demolished now.
Brian Archer, a junior in mechanical engineering, said the building is not serving its purpose.
“The classroom shapes are annoying,” Archer said. “It’s not conducive to learning.”
The $36 million for the project will come from a yet-to-be-determined bond program, according to Grote.
High pedestrian traffic in the area and the lack of easy road access to the building will make demolition and construction difficult.
The new building will replace the 46 year-old Harrelson Hall, which sits in an important area of campus, according to Johnson.
“Harrelson and the Brickyard make up an important hub for the University,” Johnson said. “It’ll be nice to have a new building there.”
