Waiting for renovation

By Jonathan McFadden
mcfaddenj@thejohnsonian.com

Still sitting quietly and untouched, Phelps Hall is awaiting a bidder to swoop in and give it a makeover.

Phelps, which was closed down this semester for renovations to the plumbing and ventilation systems, will become more handicapped accessible once the renovations are complete.

Director for Residence Life Cynthia Caseens said the plan includes relocating the office closer to the front of the building and adding an elevator in the lobby.

Gena Smith, program director for students with disabilities, said she usually did not place students in wheelchairs in Phelps because of the lack of accessibility for them.

Smith said the federally mandated Americans with Disability Act (ADA) gives college residence halls guidelines for making their buildings handicapped accessible.

Because Phelps was not the only residence hall suited to house female students on Winthrop’s campus, no ramps were added to it. Instead, those efforts were poured into Margaret Nance, a flat building.

For every inch of rise, there needs to be 12 inches of ramp, according to guidelines by the ADA.

“Although Phelps is not new construction, there are still limits to the rise and slope that would have made constructing a ramp to the exterior doors impractical,” Smith said.

Even if ramps were somehow put in place to allow easier access to the lobby, students in wheelchairs would be unable to gain access into their own rooms.

Students used to be required to climb a small flight of steps to get to the first floor.

But Smith, who said she does not know too much about the plans for Phelps, is an advocate for more accessibility for any building on campus.

“Increased accessibility is always wonderful,” Smith said. “It’s great.”

Room amenities in Phelps will also do a little shuffle.

Sinks, which most students are accustomed to using in their bathrooms, will be in each individual student’s room, leaving just the shower and toilet in the bathrooms.

Cassens said she thinks the students will like the new arrangement.

Before Phelps’ makeover can begin, Winthrop must obtain a renovation company’s bid through a process called South Carolina Business Opportunities (SCBO).

Walter Hardin, associate vice president for facilities management, said the contractor with the lowest bid, as well as proper licenses, bonds and abilities, will be awarded the project.

Bids open in October and last about six weeks.

Hardin said the contracting community business may be very slow with the state of the economy, but he is sure Phelps will attract bidders.

Hardin said public jobs tend to generate money for the economy.

Contractors should be on site toward the end of October and beginning of November, Hardin said.

The renovation process will take about 18 months to complete. Phelps is anticipated to re-open in fall 2012.