Posted On: 13th Jul 2011
The renovation of Beech Wing, the elderly student residence, is well under way. This wing of the White House was originally part of the 'coach house,' and was converted to student housing in 1959-60. To use real-estate language, it 'retains many of its original features' - such as a shared toilet, a single plug socket in each room, and occasional patches of damp.
But this summer the work has started to turn this into a 21st-century dwelling (whilst retaining the particular character of the historic building).
On June 20th, a 'work and witness' team from Dodge City, Kansas, descended on the college, and as soon as planning permission arrived, stripped out the old rooms, right back to the rafters, taking down the back wall to be extended.
A second team, from Gallatin, Tennessee, dug foundations and trenches for plumbing, then poured footings and foundations.
The team from Pasadena has framed all the internal walls and the small extension, whilst Sheffield's own Andy Evans installed the rooflights. A team from Flint, Michigan, isen route, to help with flooring, walling,and who-knows-what, ready to make sure the building is ready for occupancy come September.
Dr Herbert McGonigle, Principal Emeritus, who was a student when the College moved to Manchester, looked on at the work, and recalled with affection that first renovation, over fifty years ago.
Funding for the project has been raised from friends of the college, and from a special 'Gift Day' from UK Nazarene Churches...but the opportunity to 'sponsor a room' will soon be available!