Pacific Index

Issue date: 5/14/09 Section: News

Media Credit: Guthrie Straw

Earlier this year it was reported that one to two new residence halls would replace Clark Hall by 2011. While it is true that the hall will be replaced, the timeline has been forced back.
To Clark residents, there is no mystery as to why the building is next on the list of Pacific construction. The 54,000 square-foot concrete resident hall was built in 1966, taps are known to occasionally run brown, un-carpeted floors leave rooms cold and for those driving through Forest Grove by Sunset Drice off of Highway 47, the dull, brick backside of Clark Hall is the first glimpse of campus they will receive.
Rather than this back-side view, the campus "master plan" makes room for a view into campus from Sunset Drive, giving Pacific a more welcoming feel to visitors and students alike.
Rather than a simple renovation which, according to VP for Finance and Administration Darlene Morgan, "would be more costly than replacing it," the new residence halls to replace Clark will be moved slightly to the east, allowing an unobstructed view of the interior of campus.
Originally, the rebuilding and demolishing of the residence hall was to be completed by 2011, but with the announcement of President Creighton's retirement this date has been pushed back. The university plans must be reevaluated upon the inauguration of the new president to ensure everyone involved is on the same page. Now, planning for this construction project will begin in the 2010-11 school year and building should begin the following year.
Clark will remain in service while the new halls are completed to ensure there is adequate on-campus housing. It will be "retired" soon after their completion. The project will yield the third new residence hall within the past decade, progressing towards the on-going goal of a sustainable campus.

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