Uphold: A Poettcker Hall residence renewal campaign
It was September 1991. I remember my arrival at Poettcker Hall like it was yesterday (although back then it didn't hold this name). I remember tentatively stepping into the dorm room that would be my home for the next eight months and meeting my new roommate who had already settled in to her half of the space. I can still taste the spicy stew of anticipation, excitement, and plain old nerves—the hallmark butterflies of young adult new beginnings. I'm sure many of you have similar memories.
This spring marked 30 years since my graduation and, truthfully, not much has changed at Poettcker Hall during these three decades (it's also true that not much changed in the three decades that preceded me either!). The air still doesn't move, the bathrooms are still less than optimal, and the building is still very beloved. Despite all the problems that come along with a 60+-year-old building, this place is inextricably woven into the relationships of the people who have lived here. My own experience in the dormitory was wholly inseparable from my experience as a learner; a sentiment we hear time and time again from students who live on campus. Poettcker Hall, and the community that thrives within it and because of it, is still the beating heart of the CMU campus.
The student experience of living on campus is not only about affordable student housing or making friends and having fun. While not a required component of CMU's degree program, it remains a central illustration of the academic project of CMU as students both learn through living together and live through learning together.
The old cement structure is sound. All of the systems are being entirely replaced. This project will make living in Poettcker Hall an entirely new experience.
Poettcker Hall was built in two phases, in 1958 (first dormitory wing) and 1964 (second dormitory wing and dining hall). Since that time, only limited improvements have been made, including the addition of student lounge spaces, cosmetic enhancements (e.g., paint, flooring, etc.), and window replacements. Major mechanical upgrades have become urgent as they reach their end-of-life expectancy. The building's liveability is currently very poor due to the lack of adequate ventilation, frequent sewage back-ups, an inability to control room temperature, a limited number of electrical receptacles in rooms, and outdated washroom facilities. All of these factors negatively affect the student experience.
The Poettcker Hall renewal project is a transformative initiative aimed at restoring and revitalizing this cherished residence building, the centre of our on-campus community. And this is an invitation for you to join in this critical undertaking through our Uphold campaign, as we collectively call CMU forward together.
The wellbeing and flourishing of our students is at the heart of this project
Students need fresh air, functioning washroom facilities, temperature control, electricity/connectivity, and accessible spaces to grow and thrive. This is as critical to their ability to develop relationships and community as it is to their capacity to learn and achieve academically. Living closely with people who are not family profoundly sharpens one's communication, negotiation/conflict resolution, and problem solving skills. Studies demonstrate that students who live in on-campus housing enjoy better mental health, stronger personal relationships, and higher grades than those who do not.
This project will address these basic student needs. This project is also rooted in CMU's commitment to environmental stewardship. By upholding/upcycling the building's sound concrete infrastructure and incorporating sustainable mechanical elements such as geothermal heating and cooling systems, we aim to significantly reduce carbon emissions and lessen our reliance on third-party electrical power. This project not only revitalizes our residence building but also strengthens our commitment to a greener, more sustainable future. This project will reduce CMU's total greenhouse gas emissions by 16.6%.
Like the CONNECT campaign for Marpeck Commons in 2012, the Uphold campaign is an investment in innovation and future-proofing for CMU. By incorporating leadingedge technology and sustainable design practices, Uphold sets a precedent for future campus development. CMU is committed to creating spaces that not only meet the needs of today's students but also adapting to the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow.
The proposed project aims to complete the renovation of Poettcker Hall by August 2025, transforming the residence experience for current and future generations of CMU students. The scope of work includes major upgrades such as a geothermal heating and cooling system, ventilation, electrical, and plumbing upgrades, gender-neutral and accessible washroom facilities, interior retrofits, a new roof, fire alarm upgrades, wheelchair accessibility, and the addition of a shared kitchenette. These renovations will extend the useful life of the building and create vibrant, comfortable, and sustainable spaces for students to live and thrive.
We need your help to make this a reality. The total cost of the project is $8,200,000, to be funded through a combination of mortgage financing and fundraising. The fundraising target for the Uphold campaign is $3,750,000. Recognition and naming opportunities will be available to donors who contribute. Grant funding is also being actively solicited to supplement the fundraising efforts.
Help uphold the legacy of Poettcker Hall at cmu.ca/uphold.
This story written by Sandra Koop Harder
Printed from: media.cmu.ca/story-uphold-ph-renewal-campaign