Naropa University Begins Multi-Million Dollar Renovation at East Boulder Campus

BOULDER, Colo., May 15, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Naropa University today commenced work on a $2 million, twelve-week renovation project to its Nalanda Campus in East Boulder. This 15,000 square-foot project will more than quadruple Nalanda's available classroom space, while also enhancing Naropa University's status as a home for some of Boulder's most creative work in Theater, Music, Dance and Fine Arts.

Naropa University was recently recognized by US News & World Report as one of the 8 Greenest Colleges in the country, and construction at the Nalanda Campus will make use of sustainable materials and construction practices. Major highlights of the construction include building several new "smart classrooms" to accommodate growing demand, an art gallery and exhibit space, new music facilities with individual studios, video and media arts labs, a 3-D art studio for sculpture, a library, and a café. All materials used in the construction and renovation – including energy efficient light bulbs and heating and cooling systems, furniture, carpet, and other materials – adhere to Naropa's commitment to sustainability.

"Naropa's 1500 students, staff and faculty already have a significant economic impact on Boulder and Colorado, and this planned expansion of the Nalanda campus will generate substantial economic benefits for local businesses and employers," said Charles G. Lief, President of Naropa University. "Dating back to the fifth century, Nalanda University in northern India, for which the Nalanda Campus was named, was one of the world's leading centers of scholarship and arts. Our renovation of the campus pays tribute to our historical and spiritual roots, while propelling us forward as we continue to attract world-class faculty, students, artists, writers, and performers."    

"The Boulder Chamber joins Naropa University in the excitement surrounding its expansion of the Nalanda campus," said John Tayer, Boulder Chamber president and CEO. "Naropa University has been a catalyst for valuable economic activity for our community. Just as important are its contributions to the character and spirit of Boulder. We welcome this investment in the future vitality of a treasured community institution."

The Nalanda build-out will account for approximately 25,000 man-hours in locally sourced labor, and will inject an additional $1 million in direct expenditures going to local vendors and businesses; the indirect economic benefits to the Boulder economy are expected to be substantially higher.

In keeping with its commitment to the local community, Naropa University has contracted extensively with Colorado-based firms. Caddis Architecture (Boulder) is the Project Architect, and Heath Construction (Fort Collins) has been named the General Contractor for this project. The following firms have also been designated as sub-contractors: ABC Fire Protection, Inc. (Aurora); Acoustics & Interiors (Fort Collins); BIC Roofing LLC (Lakewood); Borzym Acoustics (Boulder); McDonald Carpet One Floor (Boulder); Phoenix Masonry (Thornton); and, Spacecon Specialty Contractors, LLC (Denver).

About Naropa University (www.naropa.edu): Located in Boulder, Colorado, Naropa University is a private, liberal arts institution offering undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Celebrating its 40^th Anniversary in 2014-15, Naropa University is a leader in contemplative education, an approach to learning and teaching that integrates Eastern wisdom studies with traditional Western scholarship. Naropa University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. 

About the Boulder Chamber of Commerce (www.boulderchamber.com): For more than 100 years, the nonprofit Boulder Chamber has been the region's flagship business support and advocacy organization. The organization helps promote business success, influence policy, and connect business leadership to build a smart, thriving economy.

Press Contacts
Naropa University
Bill Rigler
[email protected]  
303-546-3533

Boulder Chamber Commerce
John Tayer 
[email protected]  
303-919-2248

SOURCE Naropa University

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