Скачать или смотреть Clarendon College invests $1.4M to modernize arts center, improve accessibility

Founded in 1898, Clarendon College is making a $1.4 million investment in bringing the Harned Sisters Fine Arts Center up to modern times.

Since opening in the 1960’s, there is a long list of events held annually at the fine arts center, but one of the challenges the college was facing was getting the elderly and handicapped people in and out safely.

“Once this place reopens will be able to have more accessibility to the elderly, and we won’t have to have students come out and help them attend those events,” said Warren Mays, a student at Clarendon College.

“They want to make sure that we are complying with the Associates of Disabilities Act and make sure everyone in the community is able to enjoy events here at Clarendon College,” said Rodney Donahue, associate professor of drama at Clarendon College.


Demolition on the Harned Sisters Fine Arts Center began in January and is being done in stages as it goes from one section to another, as they work to bring it up to 2026.

“It will become more accessible and more modern, and safer for everyone to be able to access,” said Mays.

“The bathrooms will be completely re-done were also demoing things on each side of the building and some other interior spots,” said Donahue. “There’s a lot of work being done on this nine-month project.”

The price tag of $1.4 million is being completely covered by the college's budget for capital improvements.

The hope is to have the refurbished Harned Sisters Fine Arts Center open by the fall later this year.

For more news from the Texas and Oklahoma Panhandles and Eastern New Mexico, visit www.ABC7Amarillo.com. You can also download our app, and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.