Renovations to EOU's historic Inlow Hall near completion

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LA GRANDE, Oregon – For the first time in nearly four decades, the stately arched windows decorating the south face of Eastern Oregon University’s Inlow Hall are seeing the light of day once more.

The new windows are not the only visible changes to the second floor of the historic administration building. A larger remodel has been taking place inside the building and the project is now very near completion.

The old Inlow Theatre, located on the building’s second floor, will once again be filled with the sounds of activity after spending years in an extended intermission. Nineteen new offices, a 1,500 square foot conference room, two bathrooms, an upper storage area and a mechanical room now occupy the previously unused area, creating just over 6,500 square feet of usable space.

Rising energy costs were a big motivator in EOU’s decision to remodel the space.

“There was no insulation above the stage,” said Ron Warnock, project manager and independent contractor for the remodeling project. “Vents in the ceiling acted like a chimney, drawing the warm air up and out.”

To reduce the amount of heat lost, Warnock installed R-38 insulation in the ceiling. Mike Rhodes, director of Facilities and Planning at EOU, is optimistic that the energy savings will be substantial.

“We will probably save 10 to 15 percent on the cost of heating Inlow alone and provide a much nicer environment for employees to work in,” Rhodes said.

"Employees have already expressed that the building feels warmer."
—  Mike Rhodes, director of EOU Facilities & Planning

Three central heating units installed on the second floor will provide more even temperature and added control over air quality. One unit will serve the middle of the building and the other two located on the east and west corners are being reserved for future use, including a proposed renovation of the rest of the building.

“We tried to make it as comfortable as possible for everyone,” Rhodes said. “Employees have already expressed that the building feels warmer.”

The electrical, plumbing, sheet rock, carpet and furniture installation have been completed and the EOU Business, Finance and Facilities and University Advancement offices are expected to move into the new space the first part of December.

“I’ve been watching the progress and think the physical plant crews have done a great job with the remodel,” said Tim Seydel, associate vice president for University Advancement at EOU. “My colleagues in Advancement are pleased with the new setting. Moving to Inlow will allow us to be more centrally located for work with other administrative offices, and everyone will have their own office, which is a plus.”

Designed by architect John Bennes, Inlow Hall was built in 1929 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The historic significance of the building required the architects and contractors to take extra care throughout the remodeling project to ensure that the interior design retains the original Renaissance style.

For example, the windows looking out over campus from the new conference room match the originals but are made of double-paned, energy efficient glass with aluminum-clad framing.

All the finishing work was completed by university carpenter Bob Swalberg and the trim, columns and arches closely match the detail of the rest of the building.

Ned Luthy of Gail Sargent Architecture in Hermiston served as principal architect, working alongside Mitch Crowe, of Absolute Engineering in Kennewick. General contractor Mike Becker, of La Grande, and his crew were in charge of the window framing and installation. Thews Sheet Metal in Hermiston installed the heating units.

The $700,000 project is being financed by a deferred maintenance allocation fund approved by the Oregon University System Chancellor’s office and earmarked specifically for the Inlow renovations.

A new exhaust system and an upgraded hot water system in the first floor bathrooms were improvements also covered by the deferred maintenance funding. There is a chance the building may undergo further remodeling if additional funding is made available by the state legislature.

Other possible projects include upgrades for seismic stability and heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems throughout the building.

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