Since the ill-fated fire on April 28, 2004, faculty of Blair Hall is still trying to rebuild their lives in the newly renovated building.

Faculty members are reminded of the classic ambiance of the building once before. Much of the outside the building remains the same, while there are a few technological advances included in the classroom.

“It the best of the new and the old. The wood trim with the dark color is very close to the original,” said Bob Chesnut, Research and Sponsored Programs.

Still till this day, faculty can remember the day that changed their lives forever. Janet Cosby, of the Sociology department, stepped out her office that day when she smelled smoke coming from the direction between her office and the office before her.

“It was surreal. I couldn’t believe it was happening,” said Cosby, “It took a while for it to sink in.”

The sociology department suffered the most damage. Many faculty members are many members were unable to recover work that they had spent most their career composing. Two years later, Gary Foster, the chair of the Sociology department, continues to morn his loss.

“I lost quite bit of research. I got back 20 percent of everything I lost,” said Foster, “I will still reach for a book that is in my mind and it is gone. I still don’t know how I am going to feel when it finally sinks in that stuff is gone and it is not coming back.” Overall, the new building appeals to those who was in search of improvement. The fire turned out to be a blessing in disguise.

“The original Blair Hall had been designed for 1911 needs. The needs of the occupants had changed but the building hadn’t changed,” said Foster. “We have a very historical building but it is meeting 21st century needs.”

Architects and contractor were successful at taking a beloved building of the past and recreating the exact replica in the textile world of the 21st century with out overpowering the historic value. Still in all, the faculty are pleased to be back in the place they called their second home.

Jim Bialeschki, a worker with the English Brothers contractors, smooths out a section of the newly-poured sidewalk in front of Blair Hall Wednesday afternoon.

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