New Look for Procter Hall; 'Green' Roof to Come

Procter Hall is sporting a new look, with the crowning touches scheduled to be implemented next spring.

Home to the College of Nursing since its construction in 1968, Procter Hall has been undergoing an exterior renovation for the past year. The project includes a complete façade replacement with metal panels, renovation of the main (200 Level) entrance and a renovated east wall (formerly stone, it has been replaced with glass).

In addition, restrooms on the 200 Level were renovated to make them larger and bring them into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Finally, a new, "green" roof will be installed on the 300 Level terrace next spring, using hardy, water-storing plants of the Sedum family. The roof will be accessible from the student commons area on the 300 Level.

"In addition to its visual appeal, the 'green' approach will keep the roof cooler and prolong its life by minimizing ultraviolet exposure," says Mary Beth McGrew, associate vice president of planning, design and construction and university architect.

Procter Hall was originally designed in the Modernist style by Woodie Garber, a Cincinnati architect whose public buildings also included the downtown Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, Indian Hill High School and the former UC residence hall Sander Hall.

The building's original exterior used crushed milk glass pressed into epoxy panels. The materials have since deteriorated, and mechanical parts that controlled protective sun panels were no longer operable.

A friend of Garber's, Italian-born artist Harry Bertoia, designed the suspended metal and wire sculpture in the student commons area. One of Bertoia's "cloud" sculptures, it formerly was displayed in the living room of Garber's Glendale home.