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With a ceremonial shattering of glass and the pop of confetti cannons, the University celebrated the opening of the new administrative building that will replace CNU North.
First Lady Angie Kelly struck the building with a sacrificial bottle of champagne in an homage to the traditional launch of a ship - fitting because of the University’s namesake and President William Kelly’s status as a Rear Admiral (ret.). Following the breaking of the bottle was a ribbon cutting punctuated by a blast of confetti.
Classically designed by architect Glavé and Holmes, the three-story brick building encompasses more than 31,000 square feet.
“This beautiful building puts people first,” Kelly said.
It is home to CNU offices that include Advancement, Communications and Public Relations, University Events, Human Resources, Procurement, the University Architect, and the Education and Real Estate foundations.
Their new home is modern, spacious and has amenities that will make it a welcoming, comfortable workplace. For example, it is the first building on campus designed with a mother’s room. It provides a clean, private and comfortable area for nursing mothers.
The building is also environmentally friendly. All new construction and renovations on campus are built to stringent environmental standards. This building meets or exceeds the requirements of the international conservation code. It will cut energy and water use, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and operate in a way that leads to a healthier environment.
The building is on land along Hiden Boulevard that was once home to a U.S. Post Office. It is adjacent to the building it replaces, CNU North. That office building, known by its facade of black glass, was once the headquarters of Crestar Bank. Beginning in the 1990s, CNU rented space for faculty offices and classrooms. In 1998, it was purchased by the Real Estate Foundation and used for administrative offices. It will be demolished in 2024 to make way for a large area of green space to be enjoyed by both students and the community.