The new convocation center, to be built on the same spot, is expected to be completed by the end of 2022. It was designed by Centerbrook Architects and is expected to cost $45 million. It increases the current footprint by about 33 percent, bringing the total square footage up to 85,000 square feet. It will be able to seat 3,500 — up from 2,800 — and will host Stags basketball and volleyball games, Fairfield Prep basketball, concerts and other events. Alumni Hall was built in 1959 — an innovation at the time and one of the earliest pre-stressed concrete buildings. The 11 pre-cast arches used to create the curved roof set a record, according to the university archives. Both Phelan and Frassinelli said it’s time for a new structure, allowing for more space and hosting events beyond athletic games. Replacing Alumni Hall with a modern venue is the capstone of the university’s master plan to improve the student experience, which is years in the making, Frassinelli said.
https://www.ctinsider.com/news/ctpost/article/A-bittersweet-day-Demolition-begins-on-16130129.php?cmpid=gsa-ctpost-result&_ga=2.253711305.1590492029.1619432604-2079383654.1604661679&_gac=1.53684698.1619518158.CjwKCAjw7J6EBhBDEiwA5UUM2rS2l7rfJU-kkAVpIkLm5SmjuaYG6D-6ZBm_e-nyiQqMr_VF00IfGRoC2ZgQAvD_BwE