Tempered Enthusiasm

At 4:51 p.m. on Thursday, the Cambridge Fire Department responded to a false alarm at Lowell House caused by an overly sensitive smoke detector.

At 8:04 p.m., the bells rang again unintentionally.

And at 11:15 p.m., Lowell House's new alarm system malfunctioned for the third time that day.

Residents of Lowell and Winthrop Houses say that recurring incidents like these prevent them from giving wholehearted approval to the extensive renovations winding down in their Houses.

In interviews with more than 50 students and tutors this week, the occupants living in--and coping with--the first-stage of Harvard's ambitious program to restore the aging Houses gave the work done mixed reviews.

While residents said the exterior and interior appearances of their rooms had been greatly improved, they almost invariably added that nagging inconveniences--fire alarms, faculty water, damaged belongings, peeling paint, and security concerns--tempered their enthusiasm.

Ellen Porter Hornet, assistant senior tutor in Lowell House, said paint is already peeling in her room, a common phenomenon that many feel is indicative of the hectic pace at which work was conducted this summer.

Many said the University should plan better to avoid such problems next summer, when it tackles another, undecided chunk of its again physical plants for undergraduates.

The explanation given for the often rapidly shedding paint in some rooms: Sealant used on the outside walls was affixed too soon after power jet-spraying, trapping water inside the walls instead of just keeping it out.

Others cited 7 a.m. wake-up calls from gigantic cranes, 9 a.m. cold showers, impromptu appearances by workmen, and constant concern for their own and their property's safety.

Jin Hee Ahn '85 had a typical response: "It's really nice... The only thing that is annoying is that you might be dressing and [a workman] is standing outside your window."

Although residents and College officials also regretted that work is still continuing outside and in the Houses' basements (where it is scheduled to go until December), most agreed that the improvements made the inconveniences bearable.

But Lowell Master William H. Bossert '59 led a chorus of calls for far more detailed planning in future summers.

Saying that "in retrospect, the work shouldn't have been done" because of the need for more planning. Bossert is fearful that the College may take on a greater number of Houses next summer, causing more chronic headaches that will similarly linger into the school year.

College officials are not yet discussing plans for next summer, but they acknowledge that the entire seven-to-10-year program may cost as much as $48 million, instead of the $35-40 million first predicted.

Soon, the officials who have managed the renovations say, they will formally review the first summer. And while they may feel quite smug about keeping the project within its $6 million budget, there are clear indications that the residents of Lowell and Winthrop will have plenty of suggestions for next year.

Foremost on the mind of many, however, is peace of mind. Said Honnet: "Quite frankly, I just want it to be over."