Donning a white hardhat, Interim President Matt Schroeder surveyed the material handler in front of him and then climbed inside the operator’s cab.
After some quick instruction on the controls, the machine’s boom lurched skyward under Schroeder’s direction and took a bite out of Palmer Hall’s concrete façade — officially beginning the final steps of a multiyear makeover of The University of Toledo’s engineering campus.
UToledo Interim President Matt Schroeder operates a material handler to begin the demolition of Palmer Hall, launching the final steps of a multiyear makeover of engineering campus.
“This is the physical form of progress,” Schroder said. “The University continues to advance and bringing this building down is the culmination of our efforts here over the last six years. We’re excited to complete these improvements, which will benefit our faculty, staff and students.”
The removal of Palmer Hall and the construction of a new academic quadrangle in its place was first outlined in the University’s 2017 comprehensive campus master plan, which also called for major upgrades to the North Engineering Building, including new labs and classrooms.
With those renovations now complete and celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony in December, UToledo was able to move forward with razing Palmer Hall.
Demolition and cleanup are expected to be completed by July 4, with construction on the new quad beginning soon thereafter. The University expects that work to be complete by the beginning of the fall 2024 semester.
Demolition and cleanup of Palmer Hall are expected to be completed by July 4, with construction of a new academic quadrangle in its place beginning soon thereafter.
“The new academic quadrangle is going to provide a tremendous gateway to the engineering campus. It’s also going to provide students, faculty and staff a green space that this area of campus doesn’t currently have,” said Jason Toth, senior associate vice president for administration, facilities and construction, and supply chain. “This project is emblematic of the investments we’re making to improve our campus experience.”
Toth said the University received input from faculty, staff and students from the College of Engineering to aid in the design of the new quad, which will include trees, native plants, walking paths and a hammock park.
Palmer Hall was built by Owens-Illinois in 1971. The University later acquired the three-story building from O-I and named it South Engineering. In 1998, it was renamed Palmer Hall after Delos Palmer Sr., UToledo’s first dean of engineering.
