FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The West Virginia University at Parkersburg Board of Governors approved the façade design of the downtown W.T. Grant building Wednesday (Oct. 13), clearing the way for the bid process to begin for the construction project.

Traci Stotts, architect with Pickering Associates, presented the design which involves removing and replacing some existing materials, including doors and windows, and restoring the front of the building which was first deeded in 1931. 

Located on Market Street in downtown Parkersburg, the 30,000-square-foot facility is being repurposed to serve as an educational center. The redesign has been approved by the WV Historic Preservation Office.

Dave White, director of facilities and grounds, told the Board that bids will close on Oct. 29 on the project with construction to begin in November and be completed by mid-February.

The Board also heard presentations by architects from PWWG of Pittsburgh regarding  preliminary sites and designs for the planned Applied Technology and Child Development centers.  Sheldon Goettel of PWWG told the Board that the schematic design phase is critical in creating a campus mall area and a distinctive identity.  Goettel said both buildings will take seven to eight months to construct with occupancy expected in spring 2012.  The Board approved both designs so that work can move forward to complete the final design documents.

In other matters, the Board approved the adoption of Policy E-48, Bookstores and Textbooks, and approved an agreement for the jointly operated Caperton Center for Applied Technology between the college and Wood County Schools.

The next meeting of the Board of Governors is at 5:45 p.m., Dec. 8, in Room 2209.

For additional information, contact:
Connie Dziagwa
WVU Parkersburg
Executive Director
Institutional Advancement
(304-424-8203 - Office)
E-mail