SEMO MUST RETARD NOISE AT SEMINARY

Southeast Missouri State University must address outside noise problems if it converts St. Vincent's College and Seminary into a visual and performing arts school.

That is a conclusion of a feasibility study done for the university by Sverdrup, a St. Louis architectural and engineering firm.

"The greatest concern with these buildings architecturally is the ability to control sound, both from outside the building and within," the study said.

The site, which the university bought this week, is just north of the Mississippi River bridge under construction.

"With the construction of the new highway and bridge to the south of the building, there will be a great deal of traffic noise directed at those buildings," the study said.

The university also must contend with the noise from river barges and trains passing nearby. The horn blasts from towboats and the loud train whistles could prove a disturbance during theatrical shows or musical performances, the study said.

New thermal windows and insulation could help.

The architectural study suggests completely remodeling the historic buildings' interior and adding elevators.

The university also wants to construct a 90,000-square-foot facility that would include a 1,000-seat performance hall.

The feasibility study said the new building could be made much more resistant to exterior noises than the seminary buildings. The oldest of the brick seminary buildings dates to 1843.

Faculty said the School of Visual and Performing Arts would allow for greater collaboration on the part of the music, art and theater departments, and Southeast's dance program.

Sarah Riley, who chairs the art department, said her department, housed in the aging Art Building behind Academic Hall, needs more space.

Riley welcomes the idea of a River Campus, as the seminary property would be called. "We will have more room and more appropriate room," she said.

She said she likes the concept of blending the old with the new.

Robert Fruehwald, chairman of the music department, also likes the concept. The music faculty has long wanted a professional recital hall.

Marc Strauss, assistant professor of dance, is excited about the project. Strauss said the project could boost Southeast's dance program. Strauss is the university's only full-time dance professor.

"In my three years here I have built up the dance program from pretty much nothing," he said.

Strauss said the program has grown from about 50 students to 500. Students can minor in dance. The university also has established a new performing arts major.

Southeast's theater department could become the theater and dance department, he said.

Strauss said this is a perfect time for Southeast to establish a fine and performing arts school. "I think the area is ready for it."

Strauss said the school could attract students who want to pursue professional careers as actors, musicians or dancers.