With the new Health and Learning Center now open, the former home of student health services on the Northern Arizona University campus is being removed to make room for a planned parking garage.
The 46-year-old Fronske Health Center, named in 1979 to honor longtime Flagstaff physician and NAU supporter Martin Fronske, has slowly been dismantled to salvage usable materials. Demolition of the structure is scheduled to begin the week of Sept.12 and is expected to take two weeks.
Even without the building, the Fronske name will continue to be honored on campus. Newly named Campus Health Services encompasses Fronske Medical Services, Counseling Services, Disability Resources and Employee Assistance and Wellness. Within the Health and Learning Center, a glass plaque etched with a depiction of the former health center will pay homage to Fronske, whose likeness sits on a pedestal nearby. Fronske served NAU for more than 50 years as a member of the NAU Foundation board and physician for athletics teams.
According to Rich Payne, director of Residence Life, the area around the former Fronske building, including the surrounding green space and Lot P28, will be fenced off for the demolition. Fencing is scheduled to begin Sept. 6, and the safety perimeter will then remain for the construction of a six-story, 1,400-vehicle parking garage.
“This will make way for much-needed parking on the north and east side of campus,” Payne said.