WVU Tech was notified this week that the university will receive $3 million from the sale of higher education revenue bonds to fund deferred maintenance projects in Old Main. The renovations include restoring the building’s façade, upgrading the electrical system, and asbestos abatement.
“Old Main is the heart of campus, but unfortunately the building’s exterior is deteriorating,” explained Dr. Scott Hurst, WVU Tech Campus Provost, when asked about the state of the building.
Old Main, built in 1896, was the original school building used for the Montgomery Preparatory School. The building, which sits at the top of campus, has since been renovated three times.
“We plan to use a portion of the funds specifically on restoring and repointing the exterior of the building,” explained Rick Linio, WVU Tech Director of Facilities Planning and Maintenance. “We’re hopeful that we can begin the renovations sometime within the next calendar year.”
The funds are part of the $77 million proceeds from the sale of higher education revenue bonds earlier this month that were earmarked for West Virginia higher education infrastructure projects across the state.