In the mid-1970s, Cobbers felt cramped and irritation was on the rise. Students were housed in the Cobber Motel (located opposite of the athletic field), in a block of rooms at the Ramada Inn, and in study rooms. In 1976, the Bogstad Manor apartments were built to provide more on campus housing. 1980 welcomed the new science building which would house the biology and home economics departments; both departments had been lacking a permanent facility for decades. In 1987, Cobbers still felt crowded. The library was often too full and loud, post office boxes were shared, and parking spaces were a rarity to come across. The only way to expand was to keep moving along Eighth Street. Concordia slowly acquired property from complying sellers. The college put forth a great effort to be a good neighbor, and vice presidents made personal calls to civilians and school officials to ensure that Concordia's projects would improve the property. One heartbreaking procurement resulted in the loss of the dearly beloved Tastee Freez on the corner of Eighth Street and Twelfth Avenue. However, this was a necessity in order to build the Outreach Center which dealt with community programs. In 1986, the Olin Art and Communications Center was constructed and was connected by skyway to the Frances Frazier Comstock Theatre. Another apartment complex, Bogstad East, was constructed and opened in 1988. The following year, the new maintenance and office buildings were completed. However, President Dovre didn't only expand; he also worked to maintain and beautify what was already on campus. Old Main, Grose Hall, Academy Hall, Bishop Whipple Hall, Brown Hall, Fjelstad Hall, and the dining hall all underwent renovation and remodeling during his term. The first full-time groundskeeper, Arden Toso, said "kids need beauty too!" in regards to the President Dovre's mission to give the grounds a park-like feeling. |
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