While construction sites around campus are popping up this spring like wild flowers, Denney Hall is one area Ohio State no longer has to worry about.

Remodeling of Denney Hall came to an end at the beginning of the year, but the east entrance to the building was not accessible until spring quarter. Entrance to Denney Hall was restricted to the west end of the building at the beginning of the academic year because construction fencing blocked off the east entrance.

“The steps were closed off, and the elevator was down. So people had to use the other stairs to access class,” said Deborah Stroh, the office assistant for the Office of Undergraduate Student Academic Services.

Denney Hall is the location of several OSU offices, including the Department of English, the College of Arts and Sciences, the ASC Curriculum Office, the Learning Technology Center and the Center for Folklore Studies.

The work began in April 2001 and became a problem to students after a construction fence was put up at the east end of the building. Stroh said students were forced to walk to the other side, because the hallway that runs through the Office of Undergraduate Student Academic Services – which is used to avoid walking around the outside of the building – is closed after business hours.

The construction was mainly a remodeling of the second floor hallway, classrooms and restrooms. The work has improved the floor so much, it seems out of place compared to the gray corridors of Denney Hall with which students are familiar.

“It doesn’t even look like the second floor belongs in this building,” said Stephanie Tsakeris, a junior in psychology.

Tsakeris said the university should finish the building by remodeling all the floors.

“I’ve had class here before. The chairs used to be nailed to the floor, and it was all dingy. I think it’s a lot nicer up there now,” Tsakeris said.

Previous descriptions of the building resemble an asylum set in a horror film, with low lighting, gray walls and stained tile.

“Professors are raving about it. We’re getting really good responses from people that work on that floor,” said Jill Morelli, university architect.

Morelli said the second floor was all the university could afford to remodel in Denney Hall at the time.

The total project cost, including architect fees and contingencies, was $1,108,016.

OSU hired outside construction companies for the work because the Department of Physical Facilities handles only small projects.

Besides the offices located in the building, Denney Hall holds a majority of English classes, as well as some sociology, journalism and communication courses.

Maggie Alfred, a scheduling coordinator for the Registrar’s Office, said fall quarter was the only time there were minor issues with class location.

“We actually gained some class space on the second floor of Denney during winter quarter,” Alfred said.

English classes are not hard to move because they do not require much space or technology, she said.

“There would have been a big problem if we were dealing with relocating dance classes,” Alfred said.

The scheduling coordinators choose locations for classes six months in advance.