A new chapter begins: Ivy Tech says farewell to Poling Hall, hello to Moravec Hall

Ivy Tech Community College – Columbus is continuing to make the transition from Poling to Moravec Hall, with the first class session already completed at the new facility.

For the time being, Poling Hall is still standing but fenced off. According to Director of Marketing Chris Schilling, exterior demolition of the building will start in mid- to late-June. Meanwhile, the college is scheduling some classes in Moravec Hall.

The approximately $32 million, 80,000-square-foot structure is replacing the aging Poling Hall as Ivy Tech Columbus’ main campus building. Moravec Hall was designed by IwamotoScott Architecture of San Francisco, with the Cummins Foundation Architecture Program covering the architectural design fee.

As of June 2, Schilling said the building is “open and operational,” with employees getting moved in and settled as final construction and punch list items are completed.

On May 27, a dental assisting class was the first to meet in Moravec Hall, Chancellor Steven Combs said. A limited number of classes are scheduled in the new building over the summer. Courses that don’t require specialized labs will take place in the Columbus Learning Center, Advanced Manufacturing Center of Excellence, or the Ag and Industrial Tech Center, he said.

“We can’t wait to see a limited number of students this summer and then the return of our entire student body in August!” college officials wrote in a Facebook post.

According to Combs, the college is planning special events for Aug. 22, the first day of the fall semester. Ivy Tech President Sue Ellspermann has been invited to attend along with her leadership team.

“Details are still in the works, but it’s shaping up to be a celebratory first day on campus,” Schilling said.

There are also plans to hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony in October.

Additionally, Ivy Tech Columbus gave students, faculty and staff an opportunity to celebrate their time in Poling Hall with a painting party prior to the building’s closure.

“They were able to ‘grab a brush and leave their mark’ and share personalized messages, drawings, and fun artwork on the walls in Poling Hall,” the college shared in a social media post.

“The goal of the Painting Party was to include as many people as possible in the celebration of our last week residing in Poling Hall,” said Schilling. “During the event, participants also had an opportunity to donate to our Student Emergency Fund.”

The spots that were painted will remain in Poling Hall and be removed as part of the demolition process.