New John & Kay Bassett Admissions Center underway; residence halls getting makeovers

Well before the Clark University Class of 2010 graduates received their diplomas, construction crews and heavy equipment were hard at work on three building and renovation projects that will greet the entering Class of 2014 and others returning to campus this fall.

** Take a virtual tour of the Bassett Admissions Center **

The new John & Kay Bassett Admissions Center is rapidly taking shape adjacent to the existing blue Admissions Office house, facing Main Street between Maywood and Beaver Streets. The contemporary, 7,200-square-foot annex will be connected by an entrance to the current building. The center’s first-floor will feature a reception lounge and a space for video screening and other presentations. “The John & Kay Bassett Admissions Center will be a state-of-the-art facility that will allow Clark to showcase the University’s strengths and will leave a lasting and positive first impression of our campus,” said Clark University Dean of Admissions Donald Honeman. Jarrad Nunes, Senior Assistant Director of Admissions, will oversee programming in the center.

The Bassett Admissions Center is being built by Cutler Associates of Worcester. It was designed by Lamoureux Pagano Architects of Worcester, whose works include the Hanover Theatre, and Worcester Technical High School. The center is named to honor outgoing President John Bassett, who will become president at Heritage University in Washington State, and his wife, Kay.  “It’s appropriate that the center will be named for the Bassetts, as it will reflect the warmth and hospitality they shared with our community during their decade at Clark,” Honeman said.

Two of Clark’s more traditional first-year student residences, Wright and Bullock Halls, are experiencing substantial makeovers, including new lobbies with elevators, bright lounge areas with new furniture, and flat screen TVs, as well as added and enhanced study spaces and laundry Cutler Associates is the designer/builder of the dorm renovations project, which encompasses about 67,500 square feet.

All of the projects are expected to be completed in August.