by ADRIENNE LAMBERTI

Daily Staff Writer

The sound of hammers pounding and the sight of orange construction fences are common features on Iowa State’s campus, since several buildings are being given facelifts this summer.

Projects currently under construction include Carrie Chapman Catt Hall, Reiman Gardens and Gilman Hall.

University Architect Dean Morton says that deciding which buildings receive attention rests on several factors.

“It’s based on the extent of the need of the project, funding and timing,” Morton said. “Most of these projects go through at least a year of design and planning.”

Catt Hall is undergoing a notably extensive renovation. The interior has been gutted for complete rebuilding, and the exterior is receiving additional renovation. When finished, it will be home to administrative offices moved from Carver Hall, as well as offices for philosophy and liberal arts and sciences.

“It will essentially be a new building inside,” said Dean McCormick, manager of construction administration.

Built in 1893, Catt Hall originally housed the botany department, seed laboratory and psychology offices. Its long history will not be obliterated by the new appearance, however.

“The interior will be modern, but some woodwork and detail work will still have a older nature,” Morton said. “The outside is going to be a faithful restoration — even the color of the window frames and roofing.”

Attention is being directed to other sites on campus as well. The entrance to 82-year-old Gilman Hall is under renovation to improve handicapped accessibility. The project is planned to be in compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act.

Elsewhere on campus, the Reiman Gardens will join other Iowa State horticultural projects and will house a new education conference center. The horticulture department is currently stocking the gardens.

Technology will find its way into Curtiss Hall’s Brenton Center as new classroom facilities are installed. Some features include an Iowa Communications Network room, equipped with media and telecommunication capabilities. The project will cost $1.4 million.

Like planning and development, funding for construction varies. “It’s from a lot of sources,” Morton said. “For example, the [$5 million] Catt Hall project is funded by private and university money. It doesn’t have a state appropriation, such as for other projects.” Additional sources include federal financing and donations.

Although campus buildings dominate the majority of construction plans, Lake Laverne is also slated for improvement. Silting has taken place since the lake was last dredged in 1959, and a class gift will enable future dredging as well as restoration to the banks. A new aeration system will keep algae growth under control, as well