Ridges stabilization projects completed; planning for new observatory begins
Roof and masonry repair work at The Ridges that began last summer is now complete, leaving the door open to future repurposing of the former asylum buildings. The projects are part of the stabilization effort to prevent damage or loss while the University develops implementation strategies for potential future uses as identified by campus master planning efforts.
“The work on the stabilization projects at The Ridges has exceeded our expectations,” said Teri Johnson, director of general construction projects in Ohio University’s Office of Architecture, Design and Construction. “Funds allotted for the projects were used to maximize repairs to maintain and improve the structural integrity of The Ridges.”
Midwest Maintenance and Quality Masonry were chosen as contractors for the roof and masonry work, respectively. Work included window blocking, brick and stone repair and repairs to the roof and gutters that will protect the Ridges from weather-related damage.
“The stabilization projects are significant in mitigating the risks of water intrusion for the former asylum buildings,” said Joseph Shields, co-chair of The Ridges Master Plan Committee.
The recent work and Ohio University campus master plan efforts involving potential new uses for The Ridges were also detailed in a Newsweek article earlier this year discussing the work to preserve historic mental health hospitals across the United States.
“The stabilization package that Ohio University has invested into the historic Ridges buildings is a much needed first step towards long term preservation and reuse of one of the most prominent and significant historic sites in Southeast Ohio,” said Paul Logue, Athens city planner and member of The Ridges Advisory Committee. “I am excited for the future of The Ridges thanks to the many efforts from University and community members.”
Next steps for The Ridges include developing implementation and funding strategies for potential projects identified in the Campus Comprehensive Master Plan, which was approved by the Ohio University Board of Trustees on Friday.
Funding is already in place for one of these projects: a campus observatory to support astronomy education and community outreach. The facility, which will house a historic 10-inch refractor telescope previously on the roof of the Research and Technology Center (RTEC) building, will be located near the former site of Building 26, between Konneker Research Laboratories and The Ridges water tower. The Department of Physics and Astronomy is leading the planning for the observatory, which is scheduled to open in 2017.