Generosity of community allows University to begin Darke Hall upgrades
Posted: September 8, 2015 3:45 p.m.
(L-R) Mr. Don Black, Dr. Vianne Timmons, Ms. Vivian Heinrichs and Dr. Harvey King on the steps of Darke Hall. Photo courtesy of Don Hall
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On September 8, 2015, President and Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Vianne Timmons announced a $1 million anonymous donation towards ensuring accessibility at Darke Hall.
In addition, Dr. Timmons announced the allocation of $3 million, from the $7 million received in donations to date for the campus renewal project, to repair the exterior shell of Darke Hall.
“The community support for renewal of the College Avenue Campus has been outstanding,” says President Timmons. “With this generous donation to the College Avenue Campus Renewal Project we have raised almost $7 million towards our $10 million fund raising goal.”
The anonymous donor asked that the donation to the College Avenue Campus Renewal Project be used to provide accessibility to Darke Hall so that everyone can enjoy one of Regina’s premier performance venues. Accessibility will be addressed through future renovations that will allow people with mobility limitations to access the building and facilities.
Before accessibility and other interior work can begin the exterior shell of Darke Hall must be sound. To address this concern the Board of Governors has approved that $3 million, of the $7 million in donations received to date, be used to renovate the exterior shell of Darke Hall. The work will repair or replace the main exterior components of Darke Hall including the roof, brick and stone cladding, and windows as needed.
The exterior work on Darke Hall will begin this fall with a complete assessment of the required repairs/upgrades. Construction will begin in Spring 2016 and be completed in Fall 2017.
Historian Mr. Don Black, Conservatory student Ms. Vivian Heinrichs and Director of Continuing Education Dr. Harvey King spoke about the importance and need for renewal of Darke Hall and the College Avenue Campus during the press conference.
“The College Avenue Campus Renewal project is ambitious: to transform the campus into a vibrant, modern facility and restore its architectural heritage for the use and enjoyment of students and visitors for the next 50 - 100 years,” says President Timmons. “The support of the community is vital to helping us achieve this vision and ensuring the campus plays a pivotal role in the future of the University, city and province.”
For more information on the College Avenue Campus Renewal Project visit: http://www.uregina.ca/external/donor-relations/priorities1/cac.html