Work progressing on major, minor construction projects

Two major renovation and construction projects on campus are progressing despite some challenging conditions. Simultaneously this summer, a number of smaller-scale renovation and repair projects are being completed.

The new Main Street Town Homes are on schedule for upperclass students to move in this fall. As of now, both buildings that comprise the complex are under roof and fully enclosed. Workers have completed all plumbing and wiring and drywall interior work began this week, according to Rod Morrison, associate vice president for facilities and engineering. Next will be the exterior insulation board and siding the facilities, which begin next week. Furniture has been ordered and delivery is expected the first week in August.

With regard to the restoration/renovation of France Residence hall, work continues as planned. However, the project was initially delayed while the budget was finalized and also due to some unexpected structural challenges that appeared as interior demolition work was completed.

As of now, France is expected to be completed by the end of October. This means the hall will not be ready for student occupancy at the beginning of the fall semester. Students who want to select France in the housing selection lottery will still be able to do that. But they will be temporarily located in Miller Residence Hall for the fall semester. They can then move into France in the spring semester.

After all of the interior demolition and layout of the new space was completed, workers have now nearly completed most of the plumbing and HVAC work. New water/sewer work has been completed. The foundation for the new annex has been laid and steel structural work for the annex began this week.

There are some other small-scale projects being completed this summer:

• The front door system of Seiberling Gymnasium has been replaced.
• Bids are expected soon for the renovations of Frost Lecture Hall and Founders Little Theatre, both of which are scheduled to be completed by mid-August, in time for the start of the fall semester.
• Design and development drawings and bid documents are being completed for the Miller Residence Hall renovation project. Start date of construction is TBD.
• The tennis courts are scheduled to be resurfaced by the end of July
• The remaining ceiling clouds inside the GEM Center have been installed.
• Lighted aisle-way handrails are currently being installed in Gundlach Theatre, thanks to the generosity of private donors.
• Repairs to “The Rising” sculpture at the main entrance to Gillmor Science Hall will be completed by the end of May.