The front entrance of Carson Hall has been renovated to enhance safety and improve access, visitor screening, and traffic flow.
The work was completed in two phases: the first phase began in early January and is complete. The second phase took place over Spring Break (March 25-31).
Please note that the 72nd Street doors—used as a temporary entrance while work was being done—are now closed. All visitors must use the main entrance at 71st St. To enter the main building, simply wave your MMC ID card over the sensor to enable the turnstiles to open.
FAQs
Following a meeting of the MMC Advisory Committee on Campus Safety (a body composed of faculty, staff, and students), it was determined that modifications should be made to the front entrance of Carson Hall to enhance safety and improve access, visitor screening, and traffic flow. The plan was brought to and approved by the Board of Trustees.
The work was completed in two phases: the first phase began in early January and is complete. The second phase took place over Spring Break (March 25-31).
As part of the renovation, a new partial wall has been constructed in front of the Hewitt Gallery of Art. The security desk is positioned in front of this wall. A turnstile system was installed at the top of the steps.
The exterior entrance to Carson Hall will not be altered; the exterior and interior entrance/exit doors will remain in place.
Yes, the 71st St entrance is open. (The 72nd Street doors—used as a temporary entrance while work was being done—are now closed. All visitors must use the main entrance at 71st St.)
The College’s highest priority is the safety of our students, faculty, and staff. After multiple recommendations from the MMC Advisory Committee on Campus Safety (a body composed of faculty, staff, and students), upgrading the front entrance for the safety of our community was deemed paramount and the reason why this project is being completed.
The Capital Projects team has also been evaluating the Nugent Hall and Carson Hall 1st floor connection with the Disability Services team. The initial evaluation revealed that building a ramp is not feasible and would not be ADA-compliant due to the existing infrastructure. We look forward to continuing our conversations with Disability Services and to determining a path forward for improved access between Carson and Nugent halls.
Simply wave your MMC-issued ID card over one of the sensors to enable the turnstile to open.
With the addition of the new partial wall, the Hewitt Gallery has gained additional exhibit space.
The existing exterior and interior entrance/exit doors to Carson Hall, which will remain in place, are ADA-compliant. The turnstile design includes an ADA-compliant access gate to ensure accessible ingress to Carson Hall. The existing ramp into Carson Hall will remain in place, and new ADA-compliant handrails will be installed.
Guests will be required to check in at the security desk.
This project was funded from the capital budget, which is sourced separately from the College’s operational budget lines.
The MMC Advisory Committee on Campus Safety determined that the front entrance to Carson Hall was the highest priority given the traffic in and out of the building during the course of everyday business and the public events that occur throughout the year. The Committee is evaluating the entrances at other campus buildings to determine if any modifications are needed.
