September 6, 2005 Source: University of Saskatchewan:
http://www.usask.ca/events/news/articles/20050906-1.html U of S Rededicates Historic College Building U of S Rededicates Historic College Building In 1910, the College Building at the University of Saskatchewan represented
the future of a newly born province and a flourishing city. Today in a
ceremony on campus, this historic building was reopened as a symbol of our
bright future and our rich tradition. The Honourable Lorne Calvert, Premier of Saskatchewan and U of S President,
Peter MacKinnon officially rededicated the College Building this morning.
Designated both a national historic site and a provincial heritage property,
the College Building is considered the architectural centerpiece of the
University. "The rededication of this building serves as a sign of renewal not only for
our campus but also the city and the province," said President MacKinnon.
"We know that many fond memories were created in the College Building and we
are very excited to have the opportunity to reopen the building to another
generation." The rehabilitation of the 95-year-old building was one of the largest
heritage conservation projects in Canada - second only to the work being
done on Parliament Hill. "It is very fitting that this building be reopened during the Provincial
Centennial," said Premier Calvert. "The College Building is one of the most
important buildings in the province and we are thrilled that the University
had the foresight to preserve it." "A national report indicates that the Collegiate Gothic buildings on the U
of S campus are the best grouping of that architectural style in Canada, of
which the College Building is the focal point," said University Architect,
Colin Tennent. "The building was originally constructed between 1910 and
1912 and the style is reminiscent of English universities such as Cambridge
and Oxford and American universities such as Princeton." Unlike many other Canadian conservation projects, the College Building is
unique because the space will be highly functional. The new building will
house two art galleries and a museum as well as non-traditional space for
several special memorial tributes. There will also be space for senior
administration and student services. The original construction of the building cost $297,000 and at the time of
completion it housed half of the University. The renewal of the building
began in earnest in November 2003 and has been completed on budget and on
time. The project cost $20.7 million and was supported by a generous
contribution from the Province of Saskatchewan. A backgrounder with more information is available at
http://www.usask.ca/collegebuilding/brochure.html or by calling University
Communications at (306) 966-6607. -30- For more information, please contact: Peter MacKinnon
President
University of Saskatchewan
Tel: (306) 966-6612 Erin Taman
University Communications
University of Saskatchewan
Tel: (306) 966-6919
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