University opening doors for heritage tour

Dillon Hall is a beautiful building, says Megan Corchis: “I think it has great character.”

A fourth-year student in the visual arts and the built environment (VABE) program, Corchis is heading a group of volunteer guides who will lead tours through the building during Doors Open Windsor, which invites the public to view buildings of architectural and historical significance, September 29 and 30.

“Doors Open is about letting people know what’s out there,” says Corchis. “It’s a fun environment to learn about history that relates to Windsor.”

She has prepared speaking notes for the guides, ranging from background on Dillon Hall’s Gothic Revival style of architecture to some of the institutional history.

“We also want to note the recent renovations to our classrooms, upgraded to modern technology,” Corchis says.

The three-storey brick and limestone building, designed by renowned architect Albert Lothian and built in 1927, housed classes for Assumption College until its absorption by the University of Windsor in 1963.

The Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research, North America’s leading centre for freshwater aquatic research, will also host Doors Open tours. Find a full list of sites at www.doorsopenwindsor.com.