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PAUL CLARK/Photo Editor
ArticleWhile freshman unpacked their cars and said goodbye to their parents, the Center for Communication and Business said goodbye to its old facade.
The parking lot entrance of the CCB will be undergoing renovations throughout the next few weeks, including the placement of palm trees and seating areas.
The construction on a beautification project for the four-year-old building began on Aug. 22 and caused detours and construction noise for returning faculty and students.
Although it may seem untimely (the majority of the construction will take place the first week of classes), this project is expected to improve and soften the facade of the building that houses two of Pepperdine’s larger divisions.
Janet Mullins, project manger with Construction and Campus Planning, assures the efforts of the team to minimize most, if not all, inconvenience to students and faculty. The project will be completed in the next four weeks, according to Mullins.
Mullins refused to disclose the cost of the project. She said she did not have the authority to do so.
The original plans for the construction of the CCB called for a much more inviting exterior and entrance, with trees and seating areas surrounding the building. Financial and timing difficulties caused the end product to result in a bland and poorly shaded building, and an intended social hangout on campus was never completed, Mullins said.
Dr. Jere Yates, who is a professor of organizational behavior and management and has an office is in the building, said he believes the construction will help the university adopt the feel of the original Los Angeles campus.
From 1937 through 1971, Pepperdine University resided on 79th street in Los Angeles, adjacent to a popular promenade. With seating areas and a serene atmosphere, the campus served as a major thoroughfare for students.
According to Yates, University President Andrew K. Benton hopes to reflect that original setting more on lower campus in the coming years. With 15-foot palm trees and unique fountains, the Center for Communication and Business is being renovated to become part of this setting.
This vision includes plans to improve the exterior in many ways, including potential plans to turn parking lots into parks, with structures underground for cars, Yates said.
A major benefit for students will be an improved shuttle stop. Previously, the shuttle stopped between the Seaver Academic Complex and the CCB, making it necessary for students to cross the street to reach the building.
Now, a new shuttle entrance will be made, moving the stop to directly in front of the building.
Palm trees were planted on Saturday to enhance and frame the view of the Pacific Ocean. This, along with comfortable seating and a direct shuttle drop-off, may very well transform students’ view of the CCB from a distant building atop a mountain to one of a new hub of campus activity.
MALIBU, CA
