Frequently Asked Questions
When will the new facility open?
Four of our artists already have studio facilities in the building. In that sense it is already open.
There are two important factors that must be aligned before we begin construction. First, we need to develop a careful, complete and full design. For a project as complex as this, design can take two years or more. Second, we need to make sure that we have a fiscally responsible financing plan in place. The development of the facility is a priority in Carleton’s newly announced campaign – Breaking Barriers Creating Connections, but even a very successful campaign takes time to realize.
Other FAQs
- What programs does Carleton expect to house in the former Northfield Middle School?The Arts Planning Committee has recommended that the building house a significant number of multiple...
- Will we retain all three parts of the Middle School building (1910 building, 1934 addition and 1954 addition)?The decision about this will depend on advice we receive from our architect. But, it...
- When will the new facility open?Four of our artists already have studio facilities in the building. In that sense it...
- Where is the Music Department going?We don't know for sure. A current difficulty the Music department faces is being spread...
- When will the Music portion of the project be addressed?This is an open question. There are siting and funding issues to be sorted out....
- Does the College's conditional use permit require us to go back to the city or community much more?The conditional use permit approved by the City of Northfield in September of 2005 requires...
- To what extent do you expect the design of the building to take advantage of sustainable architecture?The architectural firm that was chosen is LEED certified and committed to aggressively pursuing sustainable...
- What is LEED?LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. LEED’s Green Building Rating System is...
- How does a teaching museum differ from an art museum?A teaching museum aims to make exhibitions and programs a significant part of the College’s...
- What is a black box theater?A smaller theater that seats 120-130 with fold up chairs that can be moved around,...
- Is phasing out Nourse part of the plan?No - students make great use of Nourse....
- Right now Sayles-Hill is one of the most collaborative spaces. Will there be a space like that in the new building?There is a vision of an atrium space that will lend itself to “productive collisions”...
- How will the existing spaces occupied by the arts and English departments be used once they have moved to their new facilities in the Middle School?This has not yet been determined. It will require more conversation and planning....
- How will the Middle School project affect the College Street corridor?We don't really know yet. Certainly Carleton is interested in making sure that the new...
- How does this project relate to the 100 year campus plan?Probably the most important insight from that plan was a warning that new building projects...
- What do we hope that the Arts Director will accomplish?The Arts Director will help us to promote the arts at Carleton and will help...
- What is the vision for the Northfield community and its role in the new facility?We envision that the new facility and Arts Coordinator will connect our arts curriculum to...