Robert Blaschak, Pitt-Johnstown Physical Plant director, described Biddle Hall summer renovations as cosmetic. The first floor underwent renovation in the lobby areas, corridors, and staircases. There were also upgrades in furniture, ceiling lightings and the heating system.

The second floor faculty offices initially were to be part of the renovation, but the work was scaled back. Some classrooms, however, were included.

“A total of five, six classrooms were renovated,” said Blaschak, “Those that did not (at least got) updated electronics.”

New projectors and televisions can be seen in many of the classrooms and lobby areas in Biddle.

“Great improvement to the school, since it [Biddle Hall] has been around for 40 some years,” said Pitt-Johnstown senior Andrew Harrison, “…and hopefully they can renovate Krebs next year if the budget calls for it.

“I think the best part of it is probably the first floor area where Jazzman’s is, with the TV and upgraded furniture and all – I feel that a lot of students are actually using that area.”

The popular Jazzman’s Café also became one of the new sights in Biddle Hall. Its migration began from the Student Union. Blaschak also agrees that the less-than-expected success in Jazzman’s previous year at the Living/Learning Center was due to location and publicity issues.

“I feel that it is a good idea,” said Harrison, “It is definitely better location than the LLC just because it was so far away from everything else.”

Though the blueprint of the renovation could not be executed completely, what has been done thus far seems to have exceeded students’ expectations.