Many still question IAST plan

To some, Smith Hall is a building with historical significance that the University should fight to preserve. But others advocate its demolition in order to make way for the Institute of Advanced Science and Technology. In fact, demolition of the building is slated to begin this summer. The recently released Environmental Impact Statement for the IAST presented arguments on both sides of the issue and outlined the study's findings that Smith Hall's demolition would be in the best interests of all parties involved. "The University and its architects acknowledge that the demolition of Smith Hall would result in irrevocable damage to a contributing resource in the Historic District," the EIS states. "With this impact in mind, [they] consciously attempted to design a building that they felt could make a positive contribution." The report goes on to explain that Venturi, Scott Brown and Associates, the architectural firm responsible for the IAST design plans, should create a building that would "exhibit a harmony with the character of adjacent historic buildings." The debate over whether to demolish Smith Hall has a history of its own -- dating back to 1990, when the federal government selected the University for its IAST site. At the time, several individuals and organizations raised both historic and environmental concerns over the site. In response, the University and federal government conducted environmental and historical studies of the entire situation and the proposed sites for three years -- a process many say has taken too long. "It's been a very long, drawn-out process," Vice President for Facilities Management Arthur Gravina said. "The time spent escalated the cost of the project by several million dollars." Four years ago, the demolition of Smith Hall and building of IAST would have cost between $43 and $44 million, he said. Now, the project will cost between $45 to $48 million. Gravina said the extra expenditure resulted from inflation, time and consultation with lawyers and officials. Besides the IAST construction, the project also includes renovations to the Chemistry, Music, Morgan and Towne buildings as well as Hayden Hall. Some say the costs will go beyond the money spent on physical construction and labor. The History and Sociology of Science department has opposed the plan since the beginning because of the historical significance of Smith Hall and its place among the other buildings on Smith Walk. According to History and Sociology of Science Chairperson Charles Rosenberg, Smith Hall is the first hygienic/public health laboratory in the United States and, as a result, has several "architectural peculiarities." "There wasn't much of the University left that had any coherent character representing the late 19th century," he said. Smith Hall "has integrity and attractiveness so ripping it out and building a new wing for the Chemistry department is not the solution." Rosenberg added that he does not object to the idea of building the IAST -- just the chosen location. Two years ago, his department was housed in Smith Hall. It is now located at 3440 Market Street. And Rosenberg said the department was not consulted about the project, although he added that he did not know how much of a voice faculty have or should have in capital planning decisions in general. But Gravina said the EIS is a lengthy, complete study indicating that Smith Hall is the appropriate location for the IAST. "Too many projects have gone on without much public participation and consideration for impact," he said. "Those that object to the Record of Decision cannot object to the process that was followed." The Record of Decision will be issued on April 24 at the earliest.