LEWISTON — Bates College officials unveiled plans Tuesday night for modernizing the campus and creating additional dormitory space.
Presenters outlined the current phase of a 20- to 25-year road map initiated in 2004 under the “Campus Facilities Master Planning” process.
The City Council was advised of Bates’ intentions to renovate, expand and adapt to its growing needs within its properties.
Senior Communications Adviser and Director of Media Relations Roland Adams was clear from the outset that the college had no intention of expanding its campus or boosting enrollment, which is about 1,750 students.
According to Pamela Wichroski, director of Capital Planning and Construction, about 90 percent of students live on campus, which the college encourages.
With that many, however, living conditions have grown cramped with the dormitory situation and Frye Street buildings.
The plan involves building more three- to four-story units on campus property on either Campus Avenue or Wood Street. Either plan would create another 230 beds, allowing students to spread out.
The new units would be on small lots to avoid the appearance of large blocks of dormitories and would possibly be designed along with a bookstore or other amenities the community could share.
Despite Wichroski’s assurances that all plans include openness to the greater community, there was still apprehension among some about a possible Bates incursion into the surrounding neighborhoods.
Jack Clifford, a Ware Street resident since 1956, raised concerns that Bates was buying properties there in a bid to take over the neighborhood.
Wichroski said the college has no strategic plans for the street and current holdings on Ware Street are being used as long-term housing for faculty and staff.
Clifford said assurances from Bates that there were no plans for his street “ring hollow to me,” citing tensions between the college and local residents decades ago.
He asked that if there was no intent to develop the street, the college should let that be known to the community in writing.
The presenters were also asked how many Bates faculty and staff live in Lewiston.
Wichroski said of about 800 staff and faculty, 339 live in Lewiston. Of that number, 297 live in properties not owned by Bates.
Other changes on campus, as outlined by Philip Chen of Ann Beha Architects of Boston, would include the possible restoration and renovation of Chase Hall, as well as a possible addition to the building.
Chen said plans for Chase Hall may include a central atrium, replacing a confusing maze of corridors and stairways.
The library and dining commons, athletic facilities, science facilities and Schaefer Theater are also slated for work and possible expansion.
According to Wichroski, parking remains a concern at the college and the problem is still being studied. Due to limited space, first-year students have not been allowed to bring cars to campus.
dmcintire@sunjournal.com
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