Acadia looking at improvements to Alumni Hall

Published on January 20, 2014

A conceptual drawing of the addition of a welcome centre to Acadias Alumni Hall.

Published on January 20, 2014

Troy Scott

A 3,600-square foot, two-storey addition to Acadias Alumni Hall will change the look of the building, but will retain the integrity of the former Presidents House.

Acadia has applied for a development agreement to complete the improvements to Alumni Hall, which will become the Wu Welcome Centre thanks to a $1.5 million donation from the children of Hong Kong businessman Dr. Jieh Yee Wu, for whom the Wu Wing in Acadias Vaughan Memorial Library is also named.

Three of Dr. Wus children - Lily (1963), Doris (1964) and Timothy (1966), as well as Lilys husband, Dr. Andre Lau (1961) - are all Acadia graduates.

According to information circulated at a Jan. 15 public information meeting, the proposed expansion is intended to serve as the point of entry to campus for prospective students and parents as well as alumni and special guests.

Wolfville town planner Chrystal Fuller said the development process is still in its early stages.

The property is currently zoned I-2, an institutional zoning appropriate to a university setting, and allowing for a variety of uses, Fuller said. No change in zoning would be required for the addition Acadia has in mind.

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Acadia looking at improvements to Alumni Hall