Ithaca Builds

Mapping, photos and information for Ithaca construction and development projects

Ithaca College’s Whalen Center New Facade

October 30, 2013 // by Jason Henderson

I went way overboard on photos, but Ithaca College is picturesque, especially at sunset. Last time I was here, Hill Center was wrapping-up, and the Whalen Center had just begun Trespa Panel installation, as all of the previous concrete precast panels had been removed. The work looks nice, and the facade now blends well with the major facelift for Hill Center next door- the windows on Whalen looked immaculate as well. I doubt they were replaced (maybe polished), but the interior blinds are different. In fact, I got word via email that all these windows have been replaced for this renovation- single pane with doubles, and the former East-facing wood slats have been removed to expose new bay windows, while the North-facing ones have been kept. [credits to Jenny & Erik for emailing- thanks!]
Hill Center has fresh landscaping and benches all along the front walkway, and of course, a nice view of the lake to forget about final exams. The interior and most of the exterior was complete last time (mid-September).

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Aerial shot from before renovations:

 

Whalen-East-Slats

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This is IC’s Athletic and Events Center, finished back in Fall 2011 at a cost of $65.5 million. The huge tower got LEED points for natural cooling and ventilation. It also looks cool when it is all lit-up at night from the across the hill.

Ithaca College’s Hill Center Wrapping-Up, Looking Sharp

September 17, 2013 // by Jason Henderson

Finally made it back up to Ithaca College to see Hill Center’s renovations, and it looks like they’re finishing up. This building has significantly turned around- it was already unrecognizable on the outside last time I ran up in August, and now the inside is as well. The finishes look great- they’re using the Parklex exterior facade panels (it’s a high-density stratified timber panel with a hardwood veneer and protective coating), the interior lighting is all new (open ceilings are freshly painted), with hanging panels accenting the hall ceilings, and blue wall panels highlighting the gymnasium entrances. The gymnasium itself is great- super bright, with new bleachers, flooring, and finishes. The blue-tinted glass stair-tower offers a nice view of the campus and lake beyond, and it certainly anchors the building from the outside.

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Whalen Center:

Here are some photos and the original planning documents from July for The Whalen Center for music as well (next door). The exterior of the building is undergoing a similar facade treatment (not Parklex, but Trespa Meteon instead- here’s a snapshot of the variety: Trespa Projects), and the interior seems to be quite fresh, with new paint, flooring, and some new lockers. The cladding design was done by King + King Architects.

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Original Planning Proposal:

Ithaca College Hill Center: Big Facelift

August 1, 2013 // by Jason Henderson

Wow, I hadn’t the slightest clue the renovation would be this extensive. The building is almost unrecognizable to what it was before (picture below- basically a modern brutalist concrete bunker, much like the 1969 Dillingham Center next door, picture at end of post).
Quite a fascinating transformation; the sleek wood grain facade goes well with the blue-tinted glass panels, definitely a visual upgrade. Along with the exterior, the interior of the building has extensive ongoing renovations, much like Dillingham had a few years back, (floor plans here).
Youtube has a wonderful collection of videos about Campus facilities from the IC Reference Desk Library for those interested.

Before:
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After:

 

Dillingham Center:
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Hill Center Site Photos

May 31, 2013 // by Jason Henderson

Swung by Ithaca College to check out the Hill Center renovations. Looks as if the stands on the hill side of the track are being re-done as well. I wasn’t able to go inside, but from the outside it looks like a complete gut. Here are some photos taken yesterday and renders from the landscape firm. I’ll try to find an interior plan.

 
The outside plans look great- a nice wide bus circle for sports teams, and ample bike racks.