UMPI’s Pullen Hall renovation complete
By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — Students attending the University of Maine at Presque Isle this fall may not realize the work that went into upgrading Pullen Hall to create the warm, well-lit classrooms for the many courses offered in the building — a project that cost $2.3 million, took nearly five years to complete, in combination with upgrades to neighboring Folsom Hall, and included the green energy alternatives like the installation of solar panels on the roof and a biomass boiler for heat in the basement, with many energy-efficient updates in-between.
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
PULLEN HALL renovations at UMPI were completed earlier this year, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony held recently to mark the achievement. The work began nearly five years ago, with upgrades to Folsom Hall, followed by work on the adjoining structure, Pullen Hall. The cost of the project was about $2.3 million and included such improvements as solar panels and a biomass boiler. Pictured at the event in front from left, are: Charlie Bonin, vice president of administration and finance at UMPI, holding the ribbon, and Rick Nadeau, owner of A&L Construction of Presque Isle, cutting the ribbon. Also on hand in back are: Rachel Smith, on behalf of Congressman Mike Michaud; Phil Bosse for Sen. Susan Collins; and Sharon Campbell, for Sen. Olympia Snowe; members of the Central Aroostook Chamber of Commerce, Stacy Shaw, Sarah Brooks and Billie Brodsky; Architect Mark Carter; Marilyn Nadeau; and UMPI President Don Zillman.
President Don Zillman and various campus, local and state dignitaries were on hand recently for the rededication ceremony.
Sam Collins, vice chair of the University of Maine System’s Board of Trustees, attended the rededication.
“I commend the vision of an energy-efficient facility that will reduce our carbon footprint and reduce our energy costs, making us more self-sufficient,” said Collins.
The upgrades not only improved energy efficiency, according to Collins, but also made ADA accessibility and facade improvements, using local crews to do the work. He noted that much of the $2.3 million was covered by grants.
“A substantial portion of the funding came from federal sources of one kind or another,” Collins said.
Sentiments were shared by Phil Bosse on behalf of Sen. Susan Collins, Rachel Smith for Congressman Mike Michaud and Sharon Campbell representing Sen. Olympia Snowe.
“I take pride in the University of Maine at Presque Isle for taking the initiative to reduce the campus’s carbon footprint and to improve Maine’s economy. You and your campus are the perfect model of the term, ‘going green,’” said Bosse, reading from a letter from Sen. Collins.
Zillman thanked the federal delegation, as well as local businesses, including Matt Bell, owner of Northeast Pellets in Ashland, “the initial supplier for the boiler,” North Peak Architecture and A&L Construction for the many hours of work and labor put into the upgrading of Pullen.
Charlie Bonin, vice president of administration and finance, also spoke, noting a list of improvements to the structure, from solar panels and windows to lighting and the new boiler system. Bonin reflected on past projects and indicated that while some didn’t turn out exactly as planned over the years — the pool at Gentile Hall needing a cover to maintain heat and the windmill being down for repairs — all were worthy investments nonetheless.
“The pool cover saved over $6,000 in energy costs. The windmill has needed repairs but it also serves as an educational tool,” said Bonin.
Details on the solar and biomass energy projects were offered by UMPI faculty member Dave Putnam and Rob Clark of the U.S. Forest Service — Northeastern Area.
Following remarks by Putnam and Clark, as well as recognition of architect Mark Carter and general contractor Rick Nadeau, the event ended with an official ribbon-cutting ceremony in which Zillman declared the Folsom Hall renovation work officially completed and ready for many more years of campus and community use. After the ceremony, campus and community members were able to enjoy refreshments and building tours that offered a unique opportunity to view the solar panels and biomass boiler up close.
