MUNCIE, Ind. - In its first major renovation since opening 65 years ago, one of Ball State University's most distinctive and historic buildings will soon house an expanded art museum and two academic departments.

The most noticeable change to the Fine Arts Building will be the addition of a new public entrance facing Riverside Avenue.

"This new limestone and brick entry is carefully designed to reflect the original character of the building," said Greg Graham, assistant director of facilities planning.

The two-story entrance will allow better public access and handicap accessibility to the Ball State Museum of Art.

The $7.5 million renovation to the Collegiate Gothic-style building began this summer and continues through December 2001. Indianapolis-based Turner Construction Co. is performing the work. The building is a keystone to the Old Quad and each spring serves as the backdrop for commencement.

The art department will make a two-phase move beginning next semester to the new Art and Journalism Building on McKinley Avenue. The department will complete its move this summer.

This leaves room for the geology and social work departments, plus the Social Science Research Center, to occupy portions of the first and second floors following renovations.

These two departments have outgrown their space at the Cooper Science Complex and North Quadrangle, said Graham. Additionally, the moves will allow other departments to benefit by freeing space in those two buildings.

The art museum, which currently occupies about 14,000 square feet, will be nearly doubled in size by the renovations. This will allow for improved gallery and storage space and increased display areas for the museum's multi-million dollar collection.

An important part of this renovation, said Graham, is installation of a sophisticated air handling and control system.

"The museum requires very specific humidity and temperature controls to preserve the artwork," explained Graham. "Right now we are using the same air system as the rest of the building. The new system will separate the museum's air system from the rest of the building and provide for proper controls."

Under the oversight of project architects Browning, Day, Mullins & Dierdorf of Indianapolis, workers are also being careful to keep intact and repair the building's unique tiled walls and other architectural embellishments, as well as blend renovated areas to compliment the older areas.

"This is one of the nicest older buildings we have on campus and we are being very sensitive to maintaining its original qualities," said Graham.

By Nancy Prater, Communications Manager

(NOTE TO EDITORS: For more information, contact Greg Graham by e-mail at ggraham@bsu.edu or by phone at (765) 285-2828.)