McGee Pavilion Progresses through 'rain, snow and cold'

Dean Leslie Bellavance of the School of Art and Design describes the McGee Pavilion’s progression as being "remarkable" and mentions that she is amazed at the skill of the dedicated construction workers.

McGee Pavilion, an addition to Harder Hall, is funded by the State of New York. Ikon.5 architects from Princeton, New Jersey are the designers for the project.

"It is funded through a New York State legislature Strategic Initiative for an expansion of the School of Art and Design that was successfully promoted by Alfred University’s President, Dr. Charles Edmondson," Bellavance stated via email.

McGee Pavilion is a two-story building with the above-ground display made entirely out of glass. It boasts three levels, one below ground and two above. The designing of the project began roughly in 2007, according to Michael Neiderbach, executive director of capital operations and legal affairs.

The Pavilion promises new studios for sonic, video and electronics arts, an "Immersive Gallery" for interactive electronic art, a two story gallery for student work, flexible studios and liberal arts studios.

The new addition is named in honor of the late New York State Assemblywoman, Senator Patricia "Pat" McGee. McGee was a registered Republican from Franklinville, New York. Prior to her political career, McGee served as a secretary and administrative assistant at Franklinville Central School and the Olean Community College.

The State provided AU with a $10 million dollar award. Senate President Joseph Bruno asked that we commemorate Senator McGee with these funds due to her many supportive acts in the Alfred community. Various member officials as well as faculty members gladly approved.

"There will be many benefits to the campus community when the new addition is complete. The students will have easier access to the building and the public programs of the School of Art and Design," stated Bellavance.

"The addition will provide new state-of-the-art teaching facilities for the Division of Expanded Media. The School will also be able to offer ceramics courses to non-art majors, as had been the practice in previous years before the School’s enrollment grew," she continued.

According to Neiderbach, the purpose of the McGee Pavilion is to provide exhibition space for its users. As of now, the project is on schedule.

"Most of the requests for the space came from faculty," Neiderbach stated after mentioning the overcrowded student work spaces present throughout Harder Hall, which will soon change due to the amount of studio space currently being constructed.

The completion of the 19, 600 square foot Pavilion will be expected in summer 2011 with the expectation that the facilities will be accessible and occupied by the fall of 2011.

"Every construction project has its challenges. The students, faculty, and staff of the School of Art and Design have been extraordinarily flexible and good-natured as the project has progressed," said Bellavance.

By the fall of 2011, students and faculty will once again have access to Allen Walk and the new McGee Pavilion thanks to the committed workers who continue to execute the project, regardless of weather conditions.