Campus construction

Van Wormer Hall

Projected completion date: late 2005

page 4 of 6
Restoring the glass dome's sparkle

Digital magic creates a preview of a new clear glass dome on Van Wormer Hall, UC’s first library.

Missing for nearly 75 years, a glass dome will again crown Van Wormer as part of a complete restoration of the University of Cincinnati's only 19th-century building. State-of-the-art internal systems and a freshened façade are among other improvements planned for the historic structure in the next 18 months.

When the classical-style library was dedicated in 1899, the gift of Asa and Julia Van Wormer had what the Princeton Architectural Press describes as "a small, inspired dome." By 1930, when the larger Blegen Library opened, Van Wormer was renovated for office use and its topmost feature removed.

"Since this is our oldest building, we want to be very careful about how we put Van Wormer back together, and that includes replacing the glass dome," says university architect Ron Kull. "We are mimicking the shape of the original, but using clear glass in place of frosted."

Van Wormer's new dome will be visible inside the building as well as outside, according to Len Thomas of the UC architect's office. "It will be an obvious presence as people enter," he says. "You'll see it immediately, because there will be no floor or ceiling to block your view, and it will appear totally transparent, almost a skylight."

Van Wormer Hall's original dome was translucent glass and copper.

Another modification inside the venerable building is the conversion of a half-floor to one of full height, so that offices can be added to that level. In addition, a stairway will rise from the main entrance to the fourth floor.

Embellishments planned for Van Wormer include historically compatible handrails, soffits, woodwork, terrazzo-like tile finishes, a turn-of-the-century color palette, new plaster interior wall and installation of hinged-glass transoms above selected doors, to improve lighting and ventilation. A new north entrance to the building will provide convenient access from University Plaza.

Outside on the upper façade where the building's aging sandstone has begun to peel away, the surface will be repaired or replaced. A different treatment is planned for the lower portion.
"From the first floor down -- the 'watercourse' of the building -- we are going to clad it all in Kenoran sage granite," Thomas notes. "It is very beautiful and blends well with the sandstone, which has a greenish cast. The steps and return walls also will be granite."

After restoration, Van Wormer will continue to house offices and will be known as Van Wormer Hall.

Architects: THP Limited and Champlin Haupt Architects, with Beyer, Blinder & Belle of New York, restoration consultant
Project cost: $8.6 million

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LINKS:
See Van Wormer before restoration
Read a history of University of Cincinnati Libraries, beginning with Van Wormer

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