Groundbreaking Friday for URI building project

KINGSTON — University of Rhode Island officials, alumni and students will participate
in the ceremonial groundbreaking and festivities Friday (Nov. 17) for the $10.6
million transformation of Ballentine Hall into a modern business education building.
Ballentine Hall, a three-story building built in 1967 will be stripped to its
steel frame and reconstructed. A 10,000 square foot addition will also be built.
The work is being financed by state, university and private contributions. URI
has reported that its fund-raising drive had reached $5.3 million, or 95 percent
of its shareholder’s campaign goal of $5.6 million. Completion of the project
is targeted for the fall of 1992. In the meantime, a temporary facility for
faculty and staff is being built on the west side of the campus.