May 12, 2000

FINAL PLANS APPROVED FOR PENN STATE ERIE CHAPEL AND BELL TOWER
University Park, Pa. – With few changes, the final plans for the Larry and Kathryn Smith Chapel and the Floyd and Juanita Smith Carillon at Penn State Erie, the Behrend College, were approved by Penn State’s Board of Trustees today (May 12). They also gave approval to obtain bids and award contracts for the construction.

"The site for the Smith Chapel and Smith Carillon is in a prominent campus location as identified in the approved campus master plan," said Gary C Schultz, senior vice president for finance and business/treasurer.

They will be located along a walkway between the Multi-Purpose Building and Jordan Road, creating a strong pedestrian corridor that extends from one end of campus to the other. Generous landscaping is planned as well. The design by Noelker and Hull Associates of Chambersburg is intended to capture the flavor of historic monastic structures common to many faiths.

The chapel includes a conference room, a gathering space and restrooms on the first floor. A wide staircase will lead to the upstairs lobby, administrative offices and an octagonal worship space with seating for 180 people. The 80-foot bell tower will include a small meditation room at the base and the steeple will contain a bell carillon.

Construction of the 10,500 square-foot building is expected to begin in August and will cost approximately $3.1 million.

Contact: Christy Rambeau (814) 865-7517 or e-mail at