Franklin College plans major renovations

FRANKLIN, Ind. -- Franklin College's new president began his job with good news for the school's students the campus' aging student center will get a $12.8 million facelift.\nPresident James G. Moseley said the improvements would make the Eli Lilly Campus Center more like a big "family room" for students.\nHe announced the plans Saturday after being formally installed as president. College trustees have endorsed the plans.\nThe 33-year-old center, which houses the food services, bookstore and offices for student groups and counseling, has been plagued by a leaky roof, plumbing problems and an aging heating and cooling system.\nAnd beyond meals in the cafeteria, it doesn't function well as a gathering place for the liberal arts college's 1,000 students, said Angie Mapes, a sophomore from Auburn. "It's not student-friendly," she said.\nThe plans call for adding more than 15,000 square feet to the 43,000-square-foot campus center, including a new atrium and covered walkways linking it to the campus library and another building.\nConstruction will start this summer on the campus about 20 miles south of Indianapolis and should be complete in time for the start of the 2004-05 academic year.\nDonations from alumni and a $3.5 million grant from the Lilly Foundation will largely pay for the renovations.