Construction Notes from All Over

Gary Hartwell, physical plant project manager has put together the following update on some of the more obvious campus construction projects.

As you have probably noticed, campus center work has progressed some since last spring. Some of the work is behind schedule and the contractor has worked long days to catch up. They will continue to start early with the understanding that they will keep the work as quiet as possible until 8 a.m. Here is a brief update on the work that's happening now and what will be happening next.

Major work in the lower level has started. Concrete block walls, ductwork, major piping systems will are getting into full swing.

Happening this week: The structural steel frame will be finished; the remaining areas of the concrete floors will be poured; skylight truss frames will start going in; plywood skin will start; and side wall framing is ongoing

Other work completed around the site includes the Lyman Plant House project (still some glass house work remaining). Grass has been seeded and should start to pop up soon. A portion of the central campus sidewalk reconfiguration has been completed. Still need to finish planting grass and filling in the new large planting bed next to Chapin. The Chapin House kitchen is getting a new loading dock to the west of the kitchen porch. This work will continue into the fall but should be completed by mid-October.

Please note that the new sidewalk running past Chapin and over to Neilson Drive will be one way (in that direction) for the opening of school only. Once everyone has moved in, this will be pedestrian only. Please observe the temporary signs.

Other projects completed this summer include:

• The reconstruction of Upper College Lane. The old surface was removed to the gravel base, some of the structural gravel was replaced, granite curb was reset and the lane was resurfaced. The sidewalk on the slope across from Sabin Reed was reconstructed so that it won’t slide into the pond. Light poles were relocated from the walk to the slope to improve pedestrian flow.
• The expansion of the parking lot behind Chase and Gillette Houses. The lot, which had 13 spaces, now has 38. Access is from Bedford Terrace or Prospect Street.
• The renovation of Tyler Annex, which is home to nine faculty. The first floor is now accessible and the building systems, including air conditioning and fire protection, are 100 percent new.
  

Construction has started at Lilly Hall, home of the School for Social Work and the graduate study office (presently in Bell Hall on Round Hill Road) and the Mwangi Cultural Center, now in Tilly Hall. The building will be completely renovated this fall and winter. When completed in April, the building will be accessible to all floors, all systems will be new and the fire escapes will be replaced with an internal stair.