Waterbury, Conn. - The pre-design phase of the Founders Hall renovation project officially kicked off on Jan. 28 at a meeting between NVCC, Western Connecticut State University (WestConn), the Department of Construction Services and the architectural firm Moser Pilon Nelson. 

Over the next several weeks, the architects will interview employees who coordinate all academic programs that might be located in the new building so that it can be determined how the programs will fit into the renovated Founders Hall complex. WestConn currently utilizes space on the building's second floor.

“We want this project to be a significant resource for many years to come,” said Provost and Senior Dean of Administration James Troup who chairs the committee. Other employee representatives include Academic Dean Sandra Palmer and Facilities Director Bob Divjak. 

Founders Hall and the Founders Annex comprise about 100,000 square feet. Once renovated, the space should be able to accommodate the College's expanding allied health programs and other programs as well. In addition, there will be considerable space left vacant in Ekstrom Hall, where NVCC allied health programs are currently located.

"This project represents the creation of state-of-the-art support for our allied health programs, among the finest in the nation," said President Daisy Cocco De Filippis, Ph.D. "Workforce development in allied health is one of the College’s strengths. The facilities will ensure that we are poised to continue to create opportunities for our students to excel in allied health education."  

On Aug. 26, 2011, the State approved the bonding of $4.47 million for the redesign.

“These state funds will make Founder’s Hall a state-of-the art teaching and training facility to help address our state’s chronic nursing shortage and other career opportunities in the dynamic field of healthcare,” said State Senator Joan V. Hartley after the announcement.

Overall, the project will cost approximately $43 million dollars. The project was approved in 2008 by the Governor and the General Assembly as part of the State’s Capital Improvement Plan.

As of January 2013, the anticipated timeline for completion is: