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Smith Warehouse Is Happening

Duke units continue move to renovated facility

With renovations underway, the Smith Warehouse is slowly but surely receiving more than just a new look. From all across campus, different departments are finally coming together as one.

For the past few months some departments have begun the process of moving their staff to Smith Warehouse. One of the first was "The Robertson Scholars." Coming from Swift Road, the program now located on the second floor, has more space. Margie Strickland, assistant director of external relations, is happy with the move. "This is a great area for our students to come together. In our original location, our area was smaller and limited the amount of time we had to spend with our students, but now we have more functioning room as well as facilities to share with other people."

Other locations that have moved over are "OUSF," "International House," "Global Education," "Facilities Management Dept," "Residence Life & Housing 2010," and more.

With departments moving, positive changes have been made for some. In the "Duke Visa Services Department," one change that was made was the addition of a children's room for clients and employees who have children. Annette Lindsay, International Student/Scholar Advisor, finds the new space useful. "We have more space in our offices, students and scholars." Located on the first floor they will be able to better help their clients with additional space as well as having more tables and chairs than they used to.

 

Not only have businesses moved in, drama has moved in as well. "Duke Performances," have settled in on the second floor. Ken Rumble, Marketing Research Specialist, is happy with being at Smith Warehouse. "Being here is better to me because it allows us to interact with more people outside of our department." Before the move, their office was located in the Bryan Center. "Now that we have moved, we can bring Duke and the surrounding community together through performances by being closer to the community.

 

With Smith being a warehouse, the warehouse aspect is still being utilized. "Duke Libraries," which is loca5ted on the first floor is now able to properly store their belongings such as items kept in the archives. Tim Pyatt, University Archives, enjoys the new space that he and his colleagues share. "We have doubled our space since we have moved to Smith Warehouse. I especially like that we have higher ceilings and more space to maneuver." By being where he and the rest of his colleagues are, Pyatt also added that he and his staff are able to better process their information and access items that are stored.

 

Smith Warehouse is a large complex and will take time to complete. In the coming months and year, more facilities will be coming once Smith Warehouse is completed. On August 4th, Duke Engage will move in.