CDH Implements Campus Infrastructure Projects

 

Cretin-Derham Hall has been assessing the needs of our building and infrastructure for several months. The campus has been well-maintained, but there are several key infrastructures that are aging and are not up-to-date or energy efficient. For instance, the boiler system, HVAC, lighting, and IT network are all priorities. Our plant experts have put us on notice that we are on borrowed time for some of these. In addition, security and technology needs have drastically increased over the past decade.

In addition, CDH is exploring ways to upgrade and enhance the school entrances and gathering spaces to be more welcoming and hospitable for our current students and families, as well as our prospective students and families.

President Frank Miley points out that maintenance of our buildings and grounds for future generations of students is of prime concern, stating, "We have been entrusted with a sacred legacy passed to us by our sponsors, the Christian Brothers and the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, to carry out the mission of CDH. These building projects to maintain and upgrade our campus are a down payment on these obligations." 

Work to Begin this Summer

On May 9, 2018, the CDH Board of Directors unanimously voted to move forward with several key projects for building upgrades. Work will commence on these projects this summer. In addition, assessment continues for other projects that will likely be considered for the following year.

The following phases of work will begin this summer.

June 2018

• Interior and exterior lighting converted to LED
• HVAC - replacement of rooftop units on Albers Center and Whaley Hall
• Boiler unit terminal controls installed in Frey Hall

July 2018

• Building security projects begins, internal and external electronic entry, camera system enhanced
• IT networking replacement project begins
• Fire alarm system and PA system enhanced

In addition, the following phases of work are planned for next summer (June 2019):

• Ventilation system replacement
• HVAC - replacement of rooftop units continued
• Automation of building systems completion

Plans and cost estimates are in process for the slate and copper roof on Frey Hall. Also, the enhanced gathering space and school entrance plans have not been formally approved. It is anticipated that this work would not commence until summer 2019. 

Responsible Funding for Infrastructure Projects

CDH is financially well-positioned to carry out these projects. The CDH Finance Committee, Advancement Office, and Board of Directors are intimately involved in the details of the financing of these projects. CDH will be taking advantage of valuable funding sources to help schools become more energy efficient, and we expect the overall cost of operation will be reduced in years ahead. 

The costs for these campus projects will come from a dedicated capital fund, that is separate from the operating budget, which covers tuition, salaries, and program expenses. In other words, these improvements will not detract from our fiscally responsible approach to the school budget, or put any curricular projects or staff at risk. We will also solicit additional fundraising to support some of these projects as part of a targeted capital campaign.

Several people have been instrumental in the strategic planning and infrastructure proposal, including the CDH Board of Directors, the Facilities Think Tank, Carole Loufek (Information Technology), Mona Passman (Principal), Jim O'Neill (Buildings and Grounds), the President's Cabinet, and numerous faculty and staff who provided input.