Ramapo Magazine

Maple Hall opened in September 2000 with housing for 252 students.

Building for the Future –
Facilities and Technology

As Ramapo continues as the college of choice for a global education, it is imperative that its infrastructure meets the technological demands of a fast-paced “E-world” and provides the optimal learning environment for an increasingly discerning student body. A number of capital improvement campaigns were undertaken to upgrade and build new facilities on campus. Highlights:

Nearly $85 million in capital construction was recently completed or is ongoing. There are twenty-one separate projects including renovations to the academic and administrative wings, improvements to the library, and classroom expansion.
The College continued its swift transformation to a predominantly residential campus populated with an increasing number of full-time students. Maple Hall, the newest residence, opened in September 2000. The facility houses 252 students when configured with two students per room and 378 when three students are housed in each. The building was designed with furnishings and voice, video, and data for three students in each room.
A 528-bed apartment-style residence facility is being built near the main parking lots. Students, mostly seniors, will enjoy single bedrooms and cooking facilities as well as a common building to draw the community together.
The College purchased the Havemeyer House, the renovated historic mansion on Route 202, and the surrounding 4.7 acres of property. The first floor of the house is used to host receptions and the upper floors are for the president’s residence.
The Pavilion, a glass-enclosed dining and meeting facility continues to serve as an elegant backdrop for receptions and other functions. Campus facilities book in excess of 1,000 reservations per month from student clubs, business partner events, and cultural events in various locations on the property.
The George T. Potter Library added to its collection with eight new online databases. Six reference books on CD-ROM were added to the collection, 6,719 new books were purchased, as were 263 videos.
WRPR, 90.3FM, acts as a broadcast training lab serving the campus and surrounding areas. The station airs music, news, sporting events, and talk shows. More than 60 students are involved with WRPR. The tower/antenna structure was completely replaced, dramatically increasing the clarity and stability of the station’s signal. Under the guidance of a new station manager, Eben Brown, WRPR re-established a full programming schedule, including the first daily morning show in six years.

Sports and Recreation Center: A Centerpiece of Campus Activities

architect's rendering of new Public Event Area

The Public Event Area, with entry near the main parking lot, comprises an arena and a main event lobby. The facility, an anchor of Ramapo’s expanded Sports and Recreation Center, will allow the College to host sporting and entertainment events.
Artwork provided by GBQC Architects

In January, the Board of Trustees of Ramapo College received a special presentation on the recommendations contained in a Master Plan Assessment. The viability of master plans developed in 1974 and 1989 were assessed and recommendations made for uncompleted projects and new initiatives such as a sports and recreation facility and new housing for upperclassmen. Ramapo College staff from Facilities, Student Life, and other departments have had continuing input into design recommendations for the Sports and Recreation Center.

The Master Plan Assessment considered expanding the facility in a southerly direction. Staff and consultants agree the facility should preserve and even feature the sloped lawn and tree line that are part of the historic estate landscape.

The $24.3 million Sports and Recreation Center will consist of three distinct, but overlapping building components. The entrance to the Student Recreation Area corresponds to the existing entry to the sports center offering access to the pool, lockers, and gymnasium. These facilities will be converted to meet the recreational needs for the general student population. A new glass-enclosed, wedge-shaped atrium links the existing and new construction, affording views and access to a student center space, the pool, and a prominently featured climbing wall. Stairs will lead to a fitness center outfitted with aerobic equipment including treadmills, bicycles, stair steppers, rowing machines, Nordic track, free weights, and other fitness apparatus. There are also dance/aerobic and academic/meeting rooms, which will extend over the Team Sports Area below. The fitness center and a skybox meeting facility take advantage of views of the Ramapo Mountains. The skybox will be used as a hospitality suite and meeting room and will include Hall of Fame displays.

The existing gym will become the auxiliary gym. With the installation of synthetic surface courts and wall treatments, the gym will accommodate tennis, volleyball, basketball, and handball. Another feature is a jogging track. In the Student Recreation Area many activities will be offered including foosball, table tennis, billiards, pinball, electronic games, air hockey, and a large-screen television.

The Team Sport Area, with its entry related to a new bus pull-off, features team and visitor locker facilities centered on a state-of-the-art training area. Convenient to most public areas of the building, the Team Sport Area is configured to allow for privacy.

The Public Event Area, with entry near the main parking lot, comprises an arena and a main event lobby. The lobby, a structural companion to the Student Recreation Atrium, extends along the existing curved entry road. The two largest spaces anchoring the complex include the existing gymnasium and the new arena.


Artwork provided by GBQC Architects

The design and bid process for this 90,000 net square feet project will be complete in July 2002 with new construction to be complete during the fall of 2003. After relocations from the existing to new facilities, renovations will continue during the summer and fall of 2003. Full occupancy is scheduled for January 2004.