It's good to hear that construction is slated to begin on the music building this spring, after five years of planning. Budget constraints and changes in the plan have caused numerous delays. Hopefully these issues are resolved so that building can start this spring, and promises long made will finally be fulfilled. But there are still some concerns:
The current financial standing of the music building. At present, the University has raised $13 to $14 million, while $16.5 million has been the stated goal before the school could break ground. How will the University be able to raise the extra money needed in time to stay on schedule?
Graduating seniors' unrealized expectations. Not only is the music building needed, it's expected. Seniors who entered Tufts in 2001 heard about a new music building that would emerge on the corner of Professor's Row and Packard Avenue. Construction will begin just as they graduate, a frustrating monument to four years at Tufts.
The music department's relegation to residential limbo. The department has been waiting for its new home since it moved into the Provost's House in 2003. Not only does it need a permanent residence, it needs a facility that can allow the department to grow. The performance hall, practice rooms, improved classrooms and studio space will attract music students who previously may not have considered Tufts.
Missing parking spaces. How will the school replace the parking spaces the new music building will engulf, when it moves in next to Aidekman. Planners William Rawn and Associates promise that additional parking will be added elsewhere, but the difficulty in planning new buildings shows there is a lack of space on campus. Where exactly do they have in mind?
With any luck, this will be the last date set and the music building will be constructed to this new schedule. With a construction project of this magnitude, it is understood and expected that there will be delays and changes. But with a new official date picked, the University needs to follow through, raise the money and get going; otherwise, the current batch of musically-inclined freshmen may graduate with promises unfulfilled.
