Catherine Goulet
Philadelphia Historic Preservation Corporation
Inspired September-October 1988

"I am not a die-hard preservationist'" University of Scranton President J.A. Panuska is quick to announce " As the President of a non-profit educational institution, I cannot in good conscience use University funds to preserve simply for the sake of preservation." However, he continues, "In order to make preservation reasonable, practically attainable, it must be looked upon as a service to the community, and I believe that, given the right support from the community, it can be a very special obligation of the non-profit sector of the economy."

By finding a niche for preservation in the facilities- planning process at the University of Scranton (U. of S.), Panuska and his staff have formulated a model preservation program, one which answers the difficult question which all leaders of non-profit organizations (churches, hospitals, libraries) have to face when considering the fate of their older buildings: How can a non-profit institution both justify and administer the preservation of its historic buildings while expanding programs and continuing to service the community?

Although schools administrators admit that preservation has required concession in time and financial resources, it is clear that the University now considers the preservation of significant historic buildings to be a part of the solution, not the problem, of institutional planning.

A Jesuit university which specializes in pre-medicine and pre-law curricula, the U. of S., and Panuska in particular, have special concerns for religious buildings. Thus, three of the four preservation projects completed since 1985 have involved the adaptation of former church buildings to new uses. The former Assembly of God Church, for example, is now Rock Hall and contains the University's art and music centers, respectively.

Althought one clergy joked that "if you want to sell and old building, just put an steeple on it, and Father Panuska will buy it for the University," the truth is that Panuska believes many churches are architecturally important, worthy of preservation and may be creatively and practically adapted for new uses. It is no coincidence that the purchase of the first church building in 1983 took place a year after Panuska became University president. Vice President for Administrative Services John S. Flanagan credits him with encouraging the development of and active preservation program, integrated with the campus planning process. "The real emphasis came from Father Panuska," said Flanagan. "He gave us the push to do something in a formal way."

The formal plan is a four-paragraph Historic Preservation Program which reads, in part: "The University of Scranton endorses the principals of revitalization, restoration and preservation of buildings, facilities, structures, and works of art in the City of Scranton and our community. We support these principles as fundamental in developing our campus into an attractive educational cultural environment." The statement goes on to explain that preservation will not always be possible, but as the University evaluates each building in its master campus plan, it will consider economic, cultural, and social implications and consult with architecture and preservation professionals. Included on the list of structures and areas worthy of preservation are over 20 buildings (one-third of those owned by the school), works of art, campus signage, landscaping and the University Commons.

Remarkably, Several of the University's protected "historic" buildings are less than 20 years old. Said Flanagan, "We consider some of our new architecture, such as (1985-Post Modern) Redington Hall and the Center for Eastern Christian Studies (1988) to be the historic architecture of the future.´

The University's attitude towards preservation, its reuse of existing buildings and the respect it has for the significance of new construction is a result, in part, of its development as an urban campus. Founded in 1888 as the College of St. Thomas of Acquainis, the school was situated in downtown Scranton, and, in 1941, former Pennsylvania Governor William W. Scranton donated his estate, on which the present campus is situated. A year later the Jesuits assumed ownership of the school, but it was not until 1956 that the University moved its campus to the Scranton estate and constructed its first building specifically for university use.

At a landlocked campus like the U. of S., Limited space requires that priorities be set regarding the construction, acquisition and use of buildings. To aid in establishing these priorities, a campus facilities plan was developed in 1984 by the University's primary architectural firm, Leung, Hemmler and Camayd. The plan's purpose is to guide the University as it consolidates its real extate holdings, disposses of some properties, acquires others and plans new construction. By dividing the campus into administrative, residential, academic, and recreational zones, the plan enables the staff to determine, at a glance, the proper use and potential development of a particular site.

However, just prior to the time the plan was adopted, the University purchased the former Assembly of God Church, which was located on the southwest edge of the campus. Originally built in 1915 for a Reformed Episcopalian congregation, the brick church with an Arts and Crafts style entrance, the building became Rock Hall in 1985 and now contains the University's primary chapel, Madonna Della Strada Chapel. The cost for repairs to the roof, interior decoration and protection of the stained glass windows amounted to $45,000. The exposed wood truss system, interior woodwork and spatial dimensions of the sanctuary space were preserved, although the chapel was re-oriented by placing the altar in the center of the room using a minimum of ornament. Security and physical plant offices are located in the basement.

The purchase of Immanual Baptist Church, the University's second religious building, took place after the campus facilities plan was in effect, but was motivated by more than an analysis of its cost-eficiency. The impressive 1912 red sandstone structure is a landmark in Scranton and visually dominates its prominent corner. To the University's advantage it also acts as an anchor for the northwest corner of the campus boundaries. "This was a building which would surely have decayed if it was not taken over by the University," said Panuska. "there was no alternative buyer for the church." Purchased for $120,000 in 1986, the building, which includes a 1,000 seat sanctuary and Sunday School area, will be used by the music department. Funded by a gift from a member of the Board of Trustees, The Houlinhan-McLean Center was named in honor of two University professors. Architect David Leung said there was little need to make alterations to the building. Careful cleaning of the delicate stone took place this year, and the interior space was repainted in contemporary, but appropriate, colors. The original pews and woodwork will be maintained. Scheduled to be completed this fall, remaining work includes the addition if stage lighting, extension of the stage and repair of the bell and bell tower.

Like the purchase of Immanual Baptist, acquisition of a third chirch, John Raymond Memorial Church, was made possible through a gift, solicited by Panuska. Purchased for $100,000 only a few months after. the acquisition of Immanual Baptist repair expenses will be completed in phases over the next two years Of Panuska's remarkable success in raising money for campus preservation projects, Flanagan said he has the unique ability to persuade and it has made the difference in planning whether or not we can restore those buildings."

The Memorial Church was purchased from a Universalist minister whose congregation had dwindled to about ten members. After the purchase, ivy vines on the 1906 Structure were immediately removed to prevent further deterioration of the mortar. and the interior space was remodeled for an art studio. Now known as the Smurfit Art Center, the building is dominated by a tremendous masonry tower, and the exterior is in need of repointing part of- tile work scheduled to be completed by 1990. Oil tile interior, the pews were removed to studio space and track lights were installed. Two Office,, Were constructed A rear of the sanctuary space. Future improvements include the creation of off ice,, ill the balcony area Ind additional studio space in the basement. Two Tiffany windows it) tile buildings were removed for restoration and will he displayed as art pieces Hyland Hall, a new classroom building.

Leung is not entirely happy with the results it the Houlinhan-McLean and the Smurfit Centers "I don't see those two projects as extremely successful example of historic preservation" he said. Leung noted that funding constraints inhibited both the pace and quality of some of tile initial work however, such problems will likely be corrected in the future. More importantly, he conceded, it is precisely because of these preservation projects that two unlikely departments (music and fine arts) received abundant work space.

Apart from the three former churches owned by the University, the school is indirectly encouraging the preservation of yet another historic religious preservation in Scranton Elm park United Methodist Church. The University leases two floors of offices and Classrooms The music department now uses the Houlihan-McLean Center, the former Immanuel Baptist Church. from tile churches which is located at another prominent corner of the campus Staff Architect James Devers noted That the arrangement benefits both parties. The University needs the space, lie said, and rental income helps tile church to ill et its operating expense. Although Elm Park is within the boundaries of the master plan, the congregations is still active is in the process of planning the church's restoration and has no plans to sell its building.

In terms of preservation, the University has been most generous to tile community Even During the recent campus construction boom, Which might Live required tile leveling of several blocks of buildings at other schools, only two buildings were destroyed after the University exhausted efforts to find a financially feasible way to save them. Their demolition was required Panuska might because preservation is not charity; the University must run efficiently. However, Panuska does say that sometimes it is necessary to "stretch a bit" to achieve preservation to be a little less efficient in order to provide a better environment said Panuska "Everything we do should in Some way be Cost effective, but the value of our effort, those values by which We measured effectiveness cannot be measured only in dollars And that attitude may be the University of Scranton's greatest legacy to its community.