Donahoe renovations nearing completion

By Mary Chamaki

Construction on the Donohoe Alumni Building, located across from McLaughlin Hall, is now nearing completion as the members of the Alumni Association prepare to move back in this Monday.

"The construction process was not too big of a distraction, and the noise did not affect me too much. However, it was nice when they opened up the walkway area in front of the building because it was a bit of a problem when it was blocked off," said Sergio Camacho, a freshman resident of McLaughlin Hall.

According to Joe Sugg, the assistant vice president in charge of design and construction, the Alumni House was the last of the buildings on the campus to be changed from a foundation of unstable block and brick to a solid, earthquake proof steel foundation as a voluntary seismic upgrade. However, what was originally meant to be a project to fix the earthquake hazard turned into a complete renovation into a newfound space for the entire Santa Clara community.

The building's main designer, Devcon architect Brent Downing, knew that changes needed to be made, "We would have needed to tear down most of the building in order to change the foundation, so it only made sense to turn the building around and create a larger, more modern, and green space."

The process began in March 2010 and predictions for completion were set for early January of this year. Although the construction team did experience a few setbacks at the beginning of the project, they made up for these problems by working rapidly during the later parts of the process.

The new building features a wide array of office space on the second floor and a large banquet hall on the first floor that provides more room for reunions and alumni gatherings. It underwent a complete upgrade, which included everything from new office spaces to insulation and electrical upgrades. Additions to the building consist of a new boardroom, an elevator, central stairs, lights, a heating and cooling system, and an approval to be LEED certified for the buildings pronounced green upgrades.

In order to gain the The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification, an independent organization that rates buildings' environmental friendliness, the architects had to pay special attention to detail throughout the entire process.

"At every turn we looked to be more energy efficient, from using better chemicals in paint to installing green electrical improvements," said Downing.

While the process of certification is yet to be complete, Downing confirms that the building will receive a Gold standard rating from LEED, the highest rating possible. This certification will set Santa Clara apart as one of the leaders in the environmental field.

For the architects, one of the most significant achievements of the completion of the new building was how ecstatic the members of the Alumni Association were about the outcome. "We couldn't be more thrilled and are extremely grateful to the university. Now the alumni and the students will have a home in the heart of campus. Students will now know that Santa Clara University is their destiny, their family, and that they will always be a Bronco," says Kathy Kale, director of alumni associations.

According to Kale, the additions provide a new welcoming environment that is a blessing to the entire community.

One of the oldest buildings on campus, the Donohoe Alumni building was originally built in 1925 to serve as the school infirmary. The building was donated by Katherine Donohoe in memory of her father and mother, James and Rose Donohoe. The infirmary housed a live-in nurse and doctor who provided for students' health needs. In 1975, however, upon the completion of the Cowell Health Center, the building was remodeled with donations from alumni and became the center for alumni operations. Because the historic building symbolizes Santa Clara's long standing tradition, architect Downing paid special attention to keeping the building's traditional appearance while adding modern touches.

As part of the commemoration for the completion of the building, the Alumni Association  put together a time capsule which includes a Grand Reunion invitation, an original key to the building, and a document by Father Bannan found in the university archives in 1970. There was a ceremony held for the capsule, where the entire construction team along with members of the Alumni Association were present.

The Alumni Association members will begin moving back into the building on Jan. 17, and an open house will be held in the spring to officially present the completed work to every single member of the Santa Clara community.

Contact Mary Chamaki at mchamki@scu.edu or call(408) 554-4546.