Outside S-Wing of Warde Academic Center The Xavierite
New windows were installed on the second floor of the S-Wing in the Warde Academic Center over the winter break.
Peter Skach, Director of Facilities Services, said the project was scheduled over the holiday break to avoid interrupting campus life, noting that it “did not cause any disruptions to classes or building access.”
The replacement addressed long standing issues with the previous windows, which Skach believed to be original to the university.
“The need to replace the windows was based on the fact that the old windows did not function well anymore [and didn’t have] enough thermal insulation,” Skach said. In addition to poor insulation, the old windows were also difficult to operate.
The project was funded through a grant from the state of Illinois and is part of a larger campus improvement initiative.
“This project is part of a larger window project on campus that will occur over the next two years,” Skach said, with additional window replacements planned for other areas of the Warde Academic Center. While the installation faced challenges due to cold temperatures and wind, the work was still completed before the Spring semester began.
Updated Window in S-Wing Stairwell The Xavierite
According to Skach, the upgrades go beyond appearance.
“The new windows provide a greater ease of operation, much better thermal insulation properties as well as tinting for better visibility without glare,” he said. He added that students and faculty should notice the difference immediately, describing the changes as “a noticeable improvement” in daily comfort and usability.
The new windows also enhance safety and durability. Skach explained that “the windows are easily lockable to support safety and security” and are designed to withstand severe weather. Their “high quality thermal insulation properties” help keep out extreme temperatures, with an expected lifespan of 25 to 30 years.
Students have already noticed the difference. Kennedy Johnson, a Gen-Bio major, recalled how uncomfortable the classrooms could be before the upgrade.
“It was just cold for the most part,” Johnson said. Even with the windows closed, wind and cold air would come through, often requiring the heat to be turned up. Johnson said the new windows are noticeably different and appear to have resolved those issues.
According to Skach, with the installation now complete, the second-floor windows will “keep out severe temperatures throughout all seasons,” helping maintain classroom temperatures for the upcoming Spring and Summer semesters as well.