Augusta State took another step toward Phase II development with the removal of the public safety building during May.

"It is unfortunate that the building had to come down, but the cost of moving the structure was just too great," says Kathy Hamrick. The $300,000 price tag to move the facility was the determining factor, she says. "We just didn't feel that we could justify this expenditure," she adds.

The demolition was approved by the State Historic Preservation Division and supported by Historic Augusta. Photographs of the building were made for the state's and the university's historical archives, and the bell (housed in the cupola) was retained for possible display later. An attempt was also made to save the cupola, but it fell apart during its removal, says Hamrick.

Several members of the Summerville Neighborhood Association board wrote letters to the editor of the Augusta Chronicle expressing opposition to the demolition and to ASU's master plan.

Over the past three years Augusta State has conducted three town meetings to solicit input on the master plan (which includes a redesigned front entrance to campus).

"We have never misled anyone about our intention to remove the building," says Hamrick. "Because of the cost, we had no choice but to demolish it."

Groundbreaking for Phase II Replacement Classroom Building will take place this fall and the Walton Way entrance to campus will be blocked during the construction process. When it re-opens, though, it will be a redesigned entrance that aligns with Fleming Avenue and will provide a safer, easier access to campus.