Long Walk Restoration and Renovation
Trinity College's Long Walk underwent a $32.9 million restoration and renovation that began in Summer 2007 and was completed in Fall 2008.
The 925-foot Long Walk is comprised of Seabury Hall, Jarvis Hall (both 1878), and Northam Towers (1883), which are the oldest buildings constructed on the Summit Street campus.
In 2005, during routine repairs, workers uncovered significant signs of deterioration, particularly around the 88 dormers that line the roofs of the Long Walk buildings. Some of the fixtures and roofs dated back to 1875 and had never been replaced. It quickly became apparent that it was necessary to undertake a massive restoration of the 925-foot-long complex.1)
The architects for the 81,389-square-foot project were Smith Edwards of Hartford (now QA+M Architecture) and the renovations were undertaken by Consigli Construction Company. The carefully planned and executed project was made easier thanks to the original building plans that had been located several years prior in Trinity's archives by College Archivist Peter Knapp, '65.
The project included replacing steel windows, leaded glass, slate roofing and copper flashings; restoring stone masonry, copper gutter systems, and terra cotta ornamentation; reconstructing original entry and suite layouts; renovating interiors to provide code-compliant exit ways and fire stairs; adding new bathroom facilities, restored finishes, and new furnishings. The restoration also upgraded heating and cooling systems, wiring and networks, telecommunications, and fire alarms and sprinklers. Of the project, Director of Facilities Sally Katz said: “As a recognizable symbol of Trinity College, the Long Walk should be restored in a way that befits its stature. We are the curators of a living museum and we have a responsibility to preserve it for future generations.”
Some students were annoyed by the College's quick decision to begin the renovation. In particular, students living in Jarvis Hall were frustrated by the lack of entry and exit ways. Students living in the dorm questioned the lottery system as well, wondering if the College's renovation would be factored into their numbers. Parking was another issue, with 50 faculty spots lost to the project.
To celebrate the completion of the renovation and restoration project, an exhibit by College Archivist Peter Knapp was held at the Watkinson Library from September 2008 to January 2009.
Sources
Trinity College: The Long Walk
Trinity Reporter, Fall/Winter 2008.
Trinity Reporter, Fall 2006.
Trinity Tripod, 09/20/2005.