Wilmore Laboratories- an integral part of the education of thousands of Auburn engineering students- will soon undergo large-scale renovations.
The Auburn University Board of Trustees approved renovation plans at a Jan. 29 meeting on the AUM campus. Work is expected to begin on the project within a few months.
"Wilmore was built in 1948 and except for minor interior alterations has remained essentially unchanged," Dean William F. Walker points out. "The renovation of this historic building will bring it up to current codes, and more than that, once again place it on the cutting edge of instructional and research facilities."
Named for John Jenkins Wilmore, who served Auburn for 55 years as an instructor, professor and dean, Wilmore consists of both small and high-bay labs, offices, classrooms and mixed use areas, with a total area of about 65,000 square feet.
Space in the building is currently used for teaching and research by the departments of mechanical engineering (including materials), civil engineering, chemical engineering and aerospace.
"In 1988 ISES corporation did a facility condition of Wilmore under an independent consulting contract," Walker notes. "They found the building's structure to be basically sound, with no signs of settlement or fatigue."
The dean adds, however, that it was recommended by the consultants that the following steps be taken:

Replacement of the mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems; Replacement of interior doors and transoms, as well as windows and window treatments; And the construction of a new roof.

It was further determined that interior finishes such as floors and walls be upgraded, and perhaps most importantly, that life and fire safety systems be modernized.
"In effect, the ISES study has called for the demolition of the entire building interior, with the exception of structural elements such as columns, beams, load-bearing walls and slabs," Walker states. "The exterior walls will be restored, however, and the new roof may be sloped rather than flat."
In reconfiguring and reconstructing Wilmore, interior partitions will define new wet and dry labs, as well as offices; elevators, ramps, and other facilities will be made to comply with the American Disabilities Act for accessibility; and a telecommunications system will be installed to connect the facility with world-wide computer networks.
"We are also concerned about our accreditation status as it relates to Wilmore," Walker explains. "Accreditation teams visiting chemical and materials engineering have expressed strong concerns about the substandard condition of Wilmore Labs."
The cost for the renovation of Wilmore has been earmarked from several sources. The National Science Foundation has awarded the college a $2 million grant; state funds will add another $2.3 million; the university, $2 million; and student fees, $1.6 million. The dean plans to raise an additional $2.5 million through alumni contributions, for a total budget of $10.4 million.
The student fee of $5 per quarter hour for every engineering course will become effective with the summer quarter, Walker notes. It was passed by the university's board of trustees.
The dean says that alumni support will be critical in making the project a reality.
"As a friend or alumnus, the college invites you to invest in the future of engineering education and research.
"Through your commitment to this renovation, you will further the tradition of strong, future-minded programs for new generations of Auburn engineers."
To learn more about how you can take a part in preparing Wilmore for the twenty-first century, contact Gary Bouse, director of development for engineering, at the Auburn Alumni Association, 317 South College St., Auburn, AL 36849. He can also be reached at 334/844-1265.
Tax deductible gifts can be made to the Auburn University Foundation, designated for the "Wilmore Engineering Laboratories Building Renovation Fund."
Earle Williams, who supports an eminent scholar chair in electrical engineering and has been an early supporter of the renovation efforts, notes that "the renovation of the Wilmore Laboratories is the College of Engineering's most urgent challenge.
"Wilmore's place at the heart of engineering laboratory education makes refurbishing this essential training ground all the more important. My Auburn engineering education has served me well. It's my intent to see that tomorrow's students will receive the same quality education."