A new tile floor, an innovative drop ceiling and a redesigned information desk will help give the West Virginia University Mountainlair a more inviting atmosphere.

Construction for the main lobby of the Mountainlair will begin Nov. 19.

Renovations will include a tile floor with the flying WV logo, a drop ceiling displaying interchangeable WVU photographs and a modernized information desk area, including two new office spaces. The renovation is expected to cost approximately $250,000.

The purpose of the renovation is to make the lobby more welcoming and to create an information desk that is more noticeable and inviting to students and visitors.

“Our goal is to make the information desk more user friendly,” said Jeff Dunbar, assistant director of the Mountainlair.

The main lobby of the Mountainlair has not undergone any major renovations since its original creation in 1968. Wendy M. Scatterday, an architect from Schamu Machowski Greco Architects, out of Wheeling, will be overseeing the construction.

“After the renovations, not only will it be an information desk, but it will be a welcome center that will be more identifiable with the University,” Scatterday said.

Renovations are set to be completed by mid-February 2010. Until then, the information desk will be moved to a temporary location next to the Mountaineer Card office in the Mountainlair.

“This project will give the area a much needed facelift and will provide a more welcoming feel to the ‘Lair as people enter the building from the front entrance. We’re excited for the changes and think the students will like what they see,” Dunbar said.

-WVU-

ep/11/12/09

CONTACT: Jeff Dunbar, Mountainlair
304-293-6027, jeff.dunbar@mail.wvu.edu