Provost Richard Ashbrook recently announced that Renner Hall will likely be razed once all major campus renovations are completed in the next few years. As it turns out, Angie Renner, a senior social work major, and her family lineage have a unique relationship with this building’s past.
In 1955, Ena Renner, the cousin of Angie’s great-grandfather, bequeathed her East Broad Street farm to Capital. To recognize her contribution, the university named the new dormitory built on the property Renner Hall.
Angie first heard the news of Renner’s likely razing from an article in the Chimes. Upon learning the building’s future, she said she was upset.
“I called my mother and she was upset and so was my grandfather’s sister when she found out,” Angie said. “My grandfather seemed to be fine with the plans. But ultimately, my family is a little bit disappointed, especially because I am the last Renner from that line of the family.”
Angie has a personal attachment to the building because it played an important role in her decision to come to Capital.
“[Renner Hall] reminds me of my connection with Capital before I came here. It reminds me of what my family intended the land be used [for] by Capital,” Angie said. “It gives me a sense of familiarity and home. It was the only reason I looked at Capital in the first place.”
Angie has her own ideas as to what can replace Renner Hall once it is razed.
“My first thought was a parking lot or a garden pavilion,” Angie said. “I think it should be something with an agricultural aspect because it was bought as a farm. That farm brought in money that served [Ena’s] livelihood.”
Yet, Angie said she is not keen to the idea that the space may eventually be converted in to green space.
“I just want [the space] to be beneficial for school and students. I feel as though having lawn won’t help students. I’d rather it be something students can use,” Angie said.
The Renner family wants its contribution to serve the school and its students.
Angie has one proposal that she thinks the school might find appealing.
“I would love for it to be an accommodation dorm for students” she said. “A lot of people filed for accommodations last year. It would cool to make it into that so more students that need accommodations can have them.”
The decision to utilize the Renner Hall space as a green space is a part of the university’s master plan that has been approved by the Board of Trustees. The master plan is frequently discussed and may be revised to fit the ever-changing needs of Capital University.
