Return to Pointer View home page July 1,  2005

Academy officials break ground on new library complex

Story and photos by Eric S. Bartelt
Senior Staff Writer

West Point leadership and construction firm representatives break ground at the future site of Jefferson Hall, scheduled to open in 2007.

Shovels dug deep into the earth Friday to celebrate the long-awaited start to the Jefferson Hall Library/Learning Center at West Point.

After five years of planning and meetings, the groundbreaking in the area just behind Patton Statue marked the start of the 149,000 square foot multifunctional facility project. The complex, when complete, will house the library, the center for enhanced performance and the center for teaching excellence.

Former Dean of the Academic Board and retired Brig. Gen. Daniel J. Kaufman, who has been the staunchest champion of the project, spent his last day on active duty talking about what it will mean for future generations of cadets.

“Our youngsters are going to have to have the intellectual creativity and versatility to confront an environment in the decades ahead that we can’t predict today,” Kaufman said. “What this facility will do is enhance their ability to be intellectually creative, adaptive and flexible.”

According to Kaufman, contractors are scheduled to start the $60 million facility in July and it will take them 22 months to complete. The outgoing head of academics here said he was just happy to see the new building come to fruition.

Artist rendering of the Jefferson Hall Library/Learning Center.

“This has been a labor of love for the last five years and it has been educational for me to see the commitment the architectural firm, the designer of the facility, the military academy and the Army put behind this project,” Kaufman said. “It really is a team effort and it’s been a joy to watch.”

STV Inc. designed the six-floor Jefferson Hall building and the Kokolakis firm -- the contractor who built the new Arvin Gym and made the Michie Stadium improvements -- will build the facility.

During the ceremony, Lt. Gen. William J. Lennox, Jr., West Point’s superintendent, praised those who stuck with the project.

“It’s been a long, hard road, but we made it, Dan and (Col.) Barney (Forsythe) in particular, thanks for your work inside -- a job well done,” he said.

The library is named after Thomas Jefferson, who established the U. S. Military Academy in 1802.

The library will include an expanding book collection, a wireless network infrastructure and group study rooms with enough collaborative learning and space to seat more than 900 patrons at one time.

“(Jefferson Hall) will add its special grace to the meaning of mountain, river and stone fortress that gives West Point its beauty and its atmosphere of fortitude, character and timelessness,” Kaufman said.

Vice Dean for Education Col. Barney Forsythe, who worked hundreds of hours with Kaufman on the library project, feels this puts the stamp on the brigadier general’s letter mark career.

“This groundbreaking ceremony is the perfect exclamation point mark to Gen. Kaufman’s long and distinguished career as a Soldier and stewardship as our dean,” Forsythe said. “He secured the funding, suggested the name and oversaw the design.

“He was the source of constant encouragement and support,” he added.