Construction update, winter 2021
Library third-floor renovation
Work began in November on the Library third-floor renovation project that entails a complete gutting and renovation of more than 43,000 square-feet of the Library south third floor, including asbestos abatement and installation of new flooring, ceilings and lighting. Mechanical systems serving the area will be replaced/upgraded including air handlers and chiller. The energy management system will also be upgraded so energy systems can be better managed and costs reduced. The third floor will be connected to the existing south stair tower. The goal of the third-floor redesign is to transform the floor into an innovative and inviting space for study, teaching and research. The new space will include areas for quiet study, collaborative work, instruction and research. So far, the contractor has established a staging area and fenced the site. Asbestos abatement will begin in early 2021. Work will be complete in 2024.
Pharmacy R&D building construction beginning
Staging and fencing of the Pharmacy R&D building began in December. The 18,000 square-foot facility will support the research efforts of the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. The project will take about 16 months to complete.
Science 4 phase 2 renovation
A variety of work continues on the west side of Science 4. Ceiling grids continue to be installed in rooms and corridor areas along with lighting fixtures. Contractor-supplied casework is being installed. Baseboard heating work is underway in office areas along the south side of the building. Some painting is taking place throughout and the new sprinkler system has been installed and tied into service on the east side of the building. Some landscaping restoration took place in the fall. Work is scheduled to wrap up in the first half of 2022.
Science 2 tower renovation
Work on the ground, first and second floors to create offices and lounge space was completed in the fall semester. Work on the upper floors is ongoing with a focus on finishing work. The project will provide new office space, labs and some conferencing space. The project is slated for a spring 2022 completion.
West Gym/Events Center boiler project
Work to enclose the West Gym/Events Center boiler project is complete. Six new boilers arrived and were installed in mid-December. Interior work will continue through the winter. The project will help reduce load on the Central Heating Plant, deactivate high-temperature hot water lines in poor condition, and provide heat and hot water for the Events Center and West Gym. The project is expected to be complete in fall 2022.
Baseball stadium complex
A lot of the exterior work has been completed with some metal panel, glass installation and roof work continuing. Plumbing and electrical work is ongoing throughout the facility. Some sheetrock, spackle and painting is underway on some interior spaces. Sidewalk pours were completed in the fall along with some turf field and sod installations. The project will create a new baseball stadium, clubhouse, indoor training facility, increased seating, locker rooms, batting cages, offices, study areas and an athletic training room. Project completion is slated for spring 2022.
Academic Complex cooling tower replacement
This project removes the existing mechanical cooling chillers and cooling towers in Academic B and replaces them with new chillers in the Lecture Hall mechanical penthouse and cooling towers on the Lecture Hall roof. Along with the new equipment, chilled water piping will be replaced in several areas. Work began in November and old equipment has been removed from the Academic B roof. Piping work is underway for new equipment. Academic A and B will receive new roofs in a separate project associated with this work.