ASU campus undergoes unprecedented construction

Over the next few months, the campus will undergo unprecedented construction activity. Traffic areas, walkways, and parking lots will be temporarily affected, and a considerable amount of noise and other disruption will take place as construction, renovation, and demolition take place. At the end of the activity, however, will be a beautiful campus with state of the art facilities, says Kathy Hamrick, special coordinator for master planning.

“Unfortunately, progress comes with a price tag, and for us it will be in the way of noise, vibrations, and parking and traffic problems. If we can keep in mind what the campus will be like when all of this activity is over, then maybe it will be easier to endure,” she says. “Meanwhile, we want the campus to be prepared for a high level of inconvenience,” she adds.

Projects are gearing up, with some in the planning, some in design, and others in activity. The roadbed in front of Butler and Hardy Halls is being removed, which will allow the area to become “green space.” Utilities and data/telecommunications are being rerouted around the Butler Hall/Science Building area in preparation for the demolition of the six old academic buildings.

A$1.4 million storm water project is continuing, which involves construction of a “loop” interior road around campus. Construction, now taking place in the lot adjoining Fines Arts Center, will continue to the south side of campus (in front of the warehouses) and will intersect with Katherine Street in front of the costume shop (next to Boykin Wright). This will involve temporary closures of parts of the roads and parking lots. The project is designed to provide detention of storm water and release onto an approved city storm water collection system.

Bellevue Hall, the oldest building on campus, is undergoing an extensive renovation, which stripped the building of its roof, interior walls, and second- story flooring. The original flooring on the first floor was saved.

“At some point in history, a second floor was added to the early 1800s building, without providing adequate support beams. As a result, over the years, the floor began to sag. This is being remedied, in addition to restoring the building to its former beauty,” says Therese Rosier, director of Physical Plant.

The $880,000 renovation is expected to be completed in December.

Work toward the university’s first student housing—a privatized project—is proceeding. The design stage, by Ambling Companies, is nearly complete, and contractors will be in place when the plan has been approved by the Board of Regents and the purchase of the property has been completed.

The gated residential site will provide housing for about 500 students and will be located near ASU’s Wrightsboro Road property.

The design firm of 2KM Architects, headed by Rob Mauldin, is in the programming stage for the design of the student center, meeting with university officials and students to determine which activities and space should be included in the approximately 50,000 square foot building. Among the new features will be facilities for wellness and a ballroom for large group gatherings. The facility, to be built adjacent to the library, will also provide a vending area for library patrons. Construction is expected to start in the fall.

Construction on the 116,000 square foot University Hall is expected to be completed in early May. Once contractors turn the building over to the University System, the front entrance and adjoining parking lots will reopen. Information Technology Services is scheduled for the first move .(mid-May/early June). Moves for other occupants are being coordinated now, and a schedule will be available soon, says Dr. Hamrick. The moves will begin in early July and be completed by early August, in time for fall semester classes in the new building.

A timetable is being developed to coordinate all stages of the projects by consultant Rick Toole, W.R. Toole Engineering. He is overseeing the demolition of the six-pack, the nickname given to the six old academic buildings that are to be demolished.
“Everyone has probably seen a demolition on television or in the movies, so they should be somewhat familiar with what is involved; expect a large amount of dust and a lot of noise and vibrations,” says Ms. Rosier.

Before demolition begins, excavation and filling-in of an underground structure near Markert Hall will have to be completed. (The structure was used by the Army when this site was an Arsenal.) Asbestos abatement and environmental clean up will follow.
“This has probably been of concern to some, but I want to assure everyone that the abatement will be carried out safely,” says Ms Rosier. “These are professionals who are used to doing this kind of work; and they know what they are doing. There will be no cause for concern, because every safety precaution will be taken,”she adds.

Safety was also the first concern in establishing new walkways to move foot traffic from the lower parking lots to the interior of campus. While the demolition area will be fenced, a safe walk is being provided in front of the radio station/CETC building and swimming pool.

Construction continued ...

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