UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – Old Main’s iconic bell tower on the University Park campus will undergo repair work tentatively set to begin on May 6. Maintenance work also will involve the lightwell above the facility’s front portico. Scaffolding will be erected surrounding the bell tower for the duration of the months-long project. There will be minimal aesthetic impact from southern viewpoints (the building front facing College Avenue) starting May 6, with more substantial impact the weeks following as the scaffold is erected.
Historic landmark
“The original Old Main Building was occupied in 1859. The current tower is actually the third Old Main bell tower, which was built in 1930,” said Lisa Berkey, senior director, design and construction, Office of Physical Plant. “The first tower on the original 1859 five-story Old Main was remodeled after an 1892 fire on the roof and upper floor. In 1929, the original Old Main was razed and the current “Old Main” that we know today, was constructed at the same location, incorporating original exterior wall stone.”
Old Main is a prominent landmark for Penn State. Historic preservation is of the utmost importance with any project involving the structure, said Berkey.
The current maintenance project includes stone and brick masonry repointing, limited stone replacement, new roofing membrane above portico and landings, waterproofing, and the addition of low-profile roof fall protection systems. The project is expected to be completed fall 2019, weather permitting.
Access to Old Main
For the duration of the project, access to Old Main will be maintained at all entrances. Temporary sidewalk closures for equipment delivery and removal should be expected at the start and conclusion of the project. In the interest of safety, the Old Main chimes will be turned off during work hours, approximately 6 a.m. through 6 p.m. on weekdays, for the duration of the project. In 2009 the tower’s bell — its chimes long replaced by modern technology — was removed and restored as a gift of Penn State’s Class of 2009, and is now displayed outdoors at ground level near Old Main’s southwest corner.
This work comes as a result of exterior survey work performed by Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates (WJE) in April and June of 2017. The firm was hired to perform a comprehensive assessment of exterior systems of Penn State’s most iconic building, Old Main, for a multi-phase maintenance project. Previously completed work included reconstruction on the East Staircase and isolated slate shingle replacements.