Facelift planned for CEU campus

This archived article was written by: Chase D’Ambrosio

Although many may be unaware of the plans being discussed by the College of   Eastern Utah faculty and staff, students attending the facility within the   next few years will notice definite changes to CEU’s campus.   The cause for   the physical alterations on campus is because of what is known as the master   plan.
The master plan is a carefully developed view as to what the campus   might look like five years to date.   It is required by state law that each   institution must compose a master plan for the means of aesthetic   development, and to have an idea as to what can be expected in the future.     Kevin Walthers, Vice-President for Administration said that “even if it was not a requirement of state   law, that it would still be a smart idea to have one.   A master plan ensures   the campus community knows what options are available.   It’s hard to reach an unknown destination without a road map to   guide your direction.”
CEU’s layout for the master plan is still in its beginning stages, and has   not yet begun to reach completion.   Even though CEU’s current master plan is   far from finalization many alterations have already been made.   A more in   depth guide is needed said Walthers that way options are available, and if a   pre-existing plan is not able to be completed then the next step is already   planned out.   To complete an extensive, in depth master plan it would   possibly cost as much as $75,000 which will be granted by the state. The views and opinions of the college’s faculty and staff are also needed.
The main change that is planned to take place is the redevelopment of the   Geary Theatre, which will move it farther East into the large grass field   next to the Reeves building.   As the building stands CEU’s Gary Theatre, is   listed on Utah’s top ten most dangerous buildings in the state which is a   list created by the State Division of Facilities Construction and Management.    
The reason that the building has been deemed so dangerous for one is the   age of the building.   The original construction of the Geary Theatre was   incorporated with poor planning which led to the building being constructed   with a wooden roof.   The walls of the Geary Theatre are all braced together   by the roof, meaning if the buildings roof was to acquire any damage it is a   likely possibility that the entire building could collapse according to   Walthers.                          
CEU’s music building, which is another cause for concern, is also listed   separately on Utah’s top ten most dangerous buildings list.   The building   was constructed over an underground river which has caused the foundation to   deteriorate over the years.   CEU plans to move the music department into the   SAC building which will be newly remodeled this summer.   Neither the music   building nor building nor the Geary Theatre meets the proper handicap regulations,   which is another reason for redevelopment.   The current music building will   remain standing, but will be off limits to students.   The high safety   concerns focused around these two buildings place them at top priority   amongst the master plan says Walthers.
Although the music building and the Geary Theatre are the two most likely   changes to occur in the near future there are many other plans circulating   but none of which have been solidified.   CEU purchasing the LDS church   property located east of the campus and possibly expanding the Career Center   are just some of which have been discussed.   Nothing is for certain yet with   the master plan. The actions that will be taken place are dependant upon   funding and the state legislature, but if things go as planned CEU may be   receiving some major changes to its campus.