Women’s studies department happy with Benson demolition

John Weatherford

The women's studies department moved into Gilbert Hall before the Benson Building, the department's longtime home, was demolished.

The Benson Building did not go quietly. It took black mold, reports of asbestos, occasional flooding, a rat infestation, a 700-name petition, a women’s studies department determined to relocate and a team of Physical Plant workers to put the 71-year-old disease-ridden deathtrap out of its misery.

“The building had reached the end of its useful life,” said Thomas Satterly, assistant vice president of the physical plant, who said it took workers about two hours to demolish the structure on June 20.

The building, built in 1938 and donated to the University in 1978, required extensive maintenance, prompting Provost Arnett Mace to deem the depression-era structure too costly to maintain.

Due to the building’s health issues and distance from related departments in the Franklin College, students and faculty members appealed to President Michael Adams for an alternate space.

The long-awaited news pleased those involved in the seven-year struggle to get the Institute for Women’s Studies moved to another location.

Senior April Greene, a co-facilitator of the Women’s Studies Student Organization, wrote the petition and organized a protest Oct. 10 – complete with a student dressed in a rat costume.

“I’m actually thrilled to see it demolished and that no department will have to deal with being in the building again,” she said.

Last semester, three out of Greene’s four classes were in the Benson Building. Because of conditions in the one-classroom structure, Greene said she began to develop breathing problems and experienced headaches. She said the symptoms matched those of other students and faculty members who spent extended periods of time in the building.

“For me, it wasn’t too serious,” she said, “just headaches and general disgust.”

Tobi Collins, a women’s studies student who helped get signatures for the petition, was also relieved to see the building go.

“I’m really glad [it was demolished] because I was concerned the University would decide to put another department there,” said the senior from Albany.

“It was a hazard, and even an eyesore to the campus,” she said.

The department moved out of the Benson Building last semester and into Gilbert Hall June 1.

And out of the rat poop-covered rubble, new life will grow in the form of a small park.

“We have plans to create a garden-like setting that can be used by the students, the faculty and the staff,” Satterly said.

The plan for the greenspace, which will include benches, landscaping and walkways, was submitted and approved by Adams, Satterly said.

“It should be done by the end of July,” he said, “just in time to greet the new students.”