Campus construction continues at rapid pace

Construction never stops, or so it seems.

In an effort to stay current with technology, provide the best amenities and create easier access at the Hilltop and West campuses, construction will remain visible at the University for at least the foreseeable future.

The most comprehensive project continues to be the re-routing of Forsyth Boulevard near West Campus to provide room for the pending MetroLink station.

Construction work continues on the Earth and Planetary Sciences Building just north of Brookings Hall. The roofing is being completed to provide dry conditions for interior work, and partition framing continues on all levels. Drywall work will soon begin in the lower level.
Construction work continues on the Earth and Planetary Sciences Building just north of Brookings Hall. The roofing is being completed to provide dry conditions for interior work, and partition framing continues on all levels. Drywall work will soon begin in the lower level.

“The ongoing MetroLink construction will continue to impact us for at least the next two years,” said Steve Hoffner, assistant vice chancellor for students and director of operations, “but I’ve been pleased at how the University community has adapted to the changes that have been required.

“We continue to work with Metro and the various contractors to address concerns that arise. One big improvement will be the temporary signal that is to be installed at Skinker and Lindell boulevard. This signal will greatly improve vehicular and pedestrian safety at the front door of our campus.”

Olin Library’s massive facelift has been progressing as planned and is due for completion this coming summer.

Levels 2, A and B are complete and occupied. The building exterior of Level 1, the new entrance and a curtain wall have been completed. The site work is near completion.

Much work remains on Level 3 and on the rooftop HVAC units, but library administrators have moved into offices there while construction work continues.

The South 40 also has a different look. Gone is Eliot Residence Hall, which was imploded over the summer to make way for a new, cozier situation.

In its place will be a new residential college, as the three-story building to be constructed will retain the Eliot name and couple with the existing Nemerov House to provide new living facilities for students.

Wallace Drive is being extended to the South 40, and a traffic signal has been installed at Wallace and Forsyth.

“The signal will allow a much safer crossing for those going to and from the South 40 and Whittemore House from the main campus,” Hoffner said. “We also hope that it will ease traffic congestion and confusion along Forsyth Boulevard.”

Ongoing construction projects include the Earth and Planetary Sciences Building, scheduled for completion this coming summer. With the exterior concrete structure complete, the focus now shifts to the building shell and interior.

The roofing is quickly progressing to provide dry conditions for interior work, and partition framing continues on all levels. Drywall work will begin soon in the lower level.

Mechanical, electrical and plumbing contractors are continuing to work from the lower level to the third floor. In the coming months, work will continue to focus on enclosing the building.

Construction continues on the building at 276 N. Skinker Blvd. The building and tenant shell spaces are complete, and Kayak’s Coffee and Provisions opened for business Sept. 15.

Other tenant spaces are available, with some construction continuing in those spaces.


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