W&J to Receive Grant from Federal HUD Budget

WASHINGTON, Pa. (Oct. 7, 2004) – Congressman John Murtha announced today that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) will provide a grant to preserve key buildings on the Washington & Jefferson College campus.

Under its Economic Development Initiative program, HUD will provide $300,000 to the college for continued renovation of the Old Gym and to begin rehabilitation of Old Main. The College plans to replace windows in the Old Gym, improving energy efficiency while restoring the appearance of the building’s windows to their original style.

W&J also plans to paint portions of Old Main’s exterior to improve appearance and provide historical detailing with weather protection. Additionally, W&J will conduct a historical study and develop a long-term plan for the future renovation and preservation of Old Main, its signature campus building.

"The W&J campus serves as a major economic engine and community resource for all of Washington County,” Murtha said. “Renovations to Old Gym and Old Main will enhance the campus and the city, and help to keep the college strong. These particular structures tell a great deal about the city of Washington and Southwestern Pennsylvania; they are treasures that teach us the regional and real-life history rarely found in books and in turn, give the area character.”

The Old Gym, W&J’s original gymnasium, was constructed in 1893, a time when many colleges and universities began providing students with facilities and courses focusing on physical education. The largely sandstone building exhibits few of the architectural characteristics that would come to define athletic facilities. Over time, when deemed inadequate for athletic needs, it served the college in many other capacities, housing various offices, the U.S. Army’s detachment of ROTC, W&J student government and the campus radio station. In 2002, the Old Gym returned to its intended purpose as a facility of physical fitness when its interior was transformed into The Swanson Wellness Center, a state-of-the-art fitness center open to the entire campus community.

Construction of Old Main began in 1836 and in 1875, when its signature double towers were erected. The towers, which have since become the symbol of W&J, signify the union of Washington College and Jefferson College, two of the region’s earliest institutions of higher education. Construction of the towers was made possible by the city of Washington through a gift commemorating the union that created the current institution. Since its opening, Old Main has in some capacity welcomed nearly every student enrolled at W&J. Its chapel once served as the campus community’s main ceremonial gathering place. It was also a Hollywood film set for the 1993 thriller The Dark Half, based on the Stephen King novel.

About Washington & Jefferson College

Washington & Jefferson College, located in Washington, Pa., is a national liberal arts college founded in 1781. Committed to providing each of its students with the highest-quality undergraduate education available, W&J offers a traditional liberal arts curriculum emphasizing interdisciplinary study and independent student work.

For more information about W&J, visit www.washjeff.edu, or call 1-888 W-AND-JAY.

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