On August 26, Interim Assistant Vice President for Facilities Planning and Operations Denese McFarlane sent an email to students, faculty and staff announcing that Klapper Hall was undergoing necessary work to ensure certain equipment would be operating properly. As the fall semester begins, this proves to be a setback for those expecting to step foot into the building.
The anticipated work period was set for August 25 through September 14. The email from McFarlane stated, “the building’s ventilation system will not be operating, and interior spaces may become uncomfortable.”
This was due to routine preparations, in which the building and mechanical system were assessed, and it was deemed that certain equipment needed to be shut off as the work was completed. As a result, faculty were advised to limit their time in the building if any items needed to be retrieved.
For students coming back for the fall semester starting on Friday, August 28, this may have been quite the challenge. Klapper Hall – part of Queens College’s School of Arts – is a regular place for students studying Art History, Design, Photography and Imaging, and Studio Art to be in. It also houses offices for the English Department..
Considering the courses that require hands-on work, this came with setbacks. A third-year Design major stated, “I feel like my coursework was impacted a little because I take a printing class and on the first day of classes my professor was originally going to take us to the printing lab in Klapper…but since Klapper was closed, we were unable to do that.”
For students requiring services such as the Digital Imaging Lab or Visual Resource Center, it wouldn’t be possible to access these resources during the closure of the building.
However, it may be nice for students who commute to school, as the student noted how they live far away, so with this closure they didn’t have to commute as much to QC. This allows for some convenience during the day, while still being able to access classes virtually.
As of September 14, Klapper Hall has reopened allowing for in-person classes. Kelsey Bonete – a third-year Design major – mentioned how she had a preference for in-person classes and was glad that the building was reopening. Bonete stated, “I’m heavily dependent on my professor and classmates to critique my work, so it is best to have them right when you need them.”
It’s important to note that there is more to come in regards to the HVAC system in Klapper Hall. Via an Ongoing and Current Projects for Summer 2026 uploaded by the college, it states that construction is expected to take 24 months.
In a statement given to The Knight News, Interim Vice President for Finance and Administration and Chief Information Officer Troy J. Hahn stated this was a “broader HVAC modernization effort planned for Klapper Hall, which is a long-term project that will be done in phases during the 2027 – 2028 academic year.” This includes trying to minimize any disruptions along with building conditions continuing to be monitored and addressed if identified.
As students and faculty return to Klapper Hall, they should be aware of what will occur during the 2027 – 2028 academic year. No further disruptions are expected and the building will remain operational until further notice.
