Construction updates
High temperature hot water shutdown
A slightly less busy campus during the summer months allows Physical Facilities to execute vital projects with minimal overall disruption to the University while key maintenance work is carried out. Immediately after Commencement, the campus high temperature hot water system was shut down for five days. This system provides heat and hot water to 65 percent of campus buildings and operates under high pressure 24 hours a day, 360 days a year at 385 degrees Fahrenheit. The system can only be serviced when it is cooled down and depressurized.
During the shutdown, 50 valves are serviced, a 30,000-gallon distribution system expansion tank is inspected and other tasks to repair pipe flange and valve bonnet gaskets are completed. This can involve separating pipe lines, making weld repairs and replacing valves or pipes ranging in size from 1/2” to 24” in diameter and can weigh more than 1,000 pounds that are near the end of their service life. This work is crucial to protecting the system and avoiding emergency breakdowns during winter months when buildings could freeze due to a lack of heat or hot water, jeopardizing research, building occupancy and normal campus operations.
The one-day electrical shutdown affected less than a dozen buildings on campus. Electrical maintenance work was conducted on several pieces of the system during this period with the goal of avoiding emergency shutdowns and repair.
Maintenance projects
With fewer students on campus, there are a variety of maintenance projects taking place in residential halls. These include door replacements in CIW and Hinman, re-shingling and lightening protection at Hillside and floor replacements in a number of other residential buildings.
Several state buildings are having facades repaired, washed and painted. This includes Science 2, the Couper Administration Building, the Engineering Building, Library North and the McGuire Building. Lighting upgrades will be completed in the S lot area.
East Drive re-paving
One of the projects that will have the biggest impact this summer is re-paving East Drive. A gas line is being installed under this road and new sidewalks, roadway and landscaping will follow. Traffic in this area is limited this summer, but most of the work will be wrapped up when students return in August.
Nelson A. Rockefeller Center renovation
This project involves a complete renovation of the Nelson A. Rockefeller Center mechanical and HVAC systems. Additional work includes new ceilings, flooring, lighting and painting. Three new classrooms will be added. Work is expected to be complete in March 2015.
Science 2 laboratory renovations
Four laboratories in Science 2 are under renovation. Work involves asbestos abatement and demolition of existing facilities. New flooring, heating, ventilation, ceilings, power distribution, data, fume hoods and window repair and restoration is included in the scope of work. Completion is March 2015.
Events Center roof
The Events Center roof was damaged in a hail storm and is being replaced.
Projects nearing completion/underway
Some projects that have been under way for more than a year will be coming to a conclusion at the end of summer. These projects involve the old Dickinson Community. Renovations to the old Dickinson Dining Hall, which include a 13,000 square-foot addition, are nearing completion. The renovated facility will serve as a student services center for the University. Offices for student accounts, the registrar, financial aid and admissions recruiting will be relocated there.
Old Whitney Hall will serve a new purpose beginning with the fall 2014 semester. The lounges have been converted into classrooms and old residence rooms have become office space, testing labs and support space for the Department of Mathematical Sciences.
Work will continue into next year on Old O’Connor/Johnson and Old Champlain halls. Old Johnson is being readied as office space for Information Technology Services and the Department of Geography. Old O’Connor will house advancement functions such as the Binghamton University Foundation and the Office of Alumni Relations. An alumni lounge will also be created in this building and the University Counseling Center will also reside in Old O’Connor.
Old Champlain renovations will create two classrooms. Former residence rooms will be converted to surge office space. An elevator addition is also part of the project.
Work is nearly complete on renovations to the Anderson Center Reception Room and deck. The project included a new deck, patio area and walkway in addition to interior upgrades.