Transformation: New library will be centerpiece of CSUMB campus
Monterey Herald 4/3/07
Much of the transformation revolves around the campus library, which administrators expect will eventually become the school's crown jewel.
"We want the library to be more than just a place for books," said Niraj Dangoria, associate vice president for campus development and operations at CSUMB.
Dangoria showed off the work in progress during a recent tour. He pointed out the atrium and the large windows: Incorporating natural light into the project was a goal, said Dangoria as he sidestepped the rebar-and-wood shoring.
"Architecturally it will be different than a lot of CSU libraries," he said.
The tour continued upward to the library's third floor. Still without walls, Dangoria touted the views from the construction site as the most spectacular on campus.
The third floor will house several study areas and administrative offices. The second floor will consist of study areas and book stacks. The first floor will have two auditoriums, classrooms, a reference desk and cafe.
Dangoria said the library's design was a combination of ideas from universities in Indiana, Arizona, at CSU-Bakersfield and the University of Nevada-Las Vegas.
"The library is a huge footprint on our campus," said CSUMB President Dianne Harrison. "It is a magnificent centerpiece for us."
Construction is on schedule with completion expected in August 2008. Two prominent agricultural families -- the Tanimuras and the Antles -- donated a combined $4 million for the library. The total cost of the library's construction will come to $64 million, with $52 million coming from state funding and the remainder from private gifts.
Although the library is the most visible of campus construction projects, several smaller projects are only days or weeks from completion.
The transformation of 6th Avenue is nearly complete. Campus officials decided to close the road to traffic and turn it into a more pedestrian-friendly area.
Better lighting was installed, and colorful bricks will be put down to add life to the area, Dangoria said.
The athletic fields on campus have also received attention. Dangoria expects the baseball and softball fields to be finished by July.
Artificial turf still has to be laid down, and the field house for the football stadium is being rebuilt.
Dangoria also said that the tear-down phase of the university will be coming to a close once the last building comes down this summer. Almost 30 buildings were torn down last summer.
"We're trying to give the place a sense of belonging," Dangoria said. "It is going to start looking like a campus."