The central stairway in Alden Library reopened Oct. 5 after renovations that started in the spring semester.
The project spanned the entire central stairway, forcing students to take the elevator and side staircases. The total budget for the project was $490,545.
The project was to redo the stairs' flooring, which is made out of sturdy, terrazzo material. This flooring requires specialists to maintain and install it.
According to Robert Ross, the dean of University Libraries, the flooring was not installed properly when first constructed, leading to dirt and wax building up and cracks and pits forming.
Ross said the wear caused unevenness, making it difficult to see where the steps were.
“It became a safety issue at some point,” Ross said. “In coordination with the Office of Accessibility, we just decided we have to remedy this. We have to improve it for safety, primarily, but also for aesthetics. Nobody wants to walk up and down a gross stairwell.”
In addition, the renovation added an epoxy grip on the edge of each stair. Janet Hulm, the interim senior director of administration of University Libraries, said this is meant to help provide a better grip and sightline.
“Going up and down is going to be a much safer experience for everyone,” Hulm said. “I personally have slipped on those stairs before, if they get a little wet. But with the built-up wax and with no grip at all, they were a little tricky at times.”
The project has been under consideration since 2020. A contractor bid on it in 2022 but failed, and the current contractor, Berglund Construction Company, bid on it in 2023.
Hulm said the original bid failed due to a mix of timing and pressure.
“Contractors are under a lot of pressure, especially post-2020, and the general feeling was that our timing on putting out for bid was bad,” Hulm said. “It wasn't in sync with getting a job where there were bigger jobs for contractors to get at the point that we put it out.”
Ross said he feels this project was important because of the high amount of traffic Alden Library receives daily.
“Alden Library is the second most trafficked building behind Baker, and you definitely feel that,” Ross said. “I've seen the lines at the elevator, people waiting to take the elevator, and many of them would probably take the stairs if they could.”
According to Ross, opening the staircase will let students move faster and not worry about being late for classes and meetings.
“If you're running behind a class or something, it's just annoying to have to wait,” Ross said. “I've been late for meetings because of that. Selfishly, I would love to have the stairs open again.”
Peter Rhynard, a senior majoring in biology, enjoys taking the central staircase in Alden Library because of the acoustics and the speed compared to the elevators.
“I only use elevators when I'm carrying something, just got off of something, or my body's not up to walking up stairs,” Rhynard said. “Normally, I use the stairs, and it is how I typically get up and around.”
Rhynard said he is glad the staircase is open again since it is more convenient, and he will no longer have to wait in line for the elevator.
“The best part of the staircase is probably the fact how long they are,” Rhynard said. “When I'm in a rush, I'm just jumping down a whole flight, and it's awesome. I love that part of the stairs.”
Hulm said she appreciates the OU community for being patient and respectful during the renovations.
“Students have been really respectful and really kind and good to each other while getting into on and off elevators, and I appreciate that very much,” Hulm said. “Our community has been excellent while we've tried to get this project completed.”
Ross said the students' kindness during the project reminded him of the people when trying to make a connection flight.
“(The renovations) reveal sort of the nature of Ohio students,” Ross said. “There's just a lot of kindness there and a lot of sense of camaraderie.”
