Summer ‘prime time’ for campus building, maintenance projects
Dismantling of the academic spine bridge in the heart of the Fredonia campus and expansion of the Michael C. Rockefeller Arts Center, combined with improvements to the original building, are two “can’t miss” changes awaiting students, faculty and staff upon their return to campus.
With over 53,000 square feet of space, the addition to Rockefeller and partial renovation of second and third floors of the existing building represent an investment of about $40 million over a two-year period. With the first phase of the $1.6 million spine project complete, plans for the second phase to design a ground-level pedestrian promenade and redesign entrances at Reed Library, McEwen Hall and Williams Center will be developed, with construction slated for summer 2017.
Many other projects have been launched and, in many cases, completed during summer months. Some are easily seen, others not so much.
The first phase of a $4.3 million McEwen exterior rehabilitation project began with restoration of cracked board formed concrete, and will continue throughout the fall semester. The second phase to remove existing windows and replace them with new energy efficient units will begin and be completed next summer.
Ongoing replacement of windows in the Andrews Complex continued, with Hemingway scheduled to be finished in August. The closing of Hendrix Hall for 2016-2017 has enabled Facilities Planning to tackle the fourth and final phase of the estimated $6.1 million project.
Also to be completed in August is removal of the existing roofing system and installation of a new 72,000 square foot roofing system at the Kirkland Complex. Work on the $1.5 million project began in May.
The summer also accommodated renovation of Starbucks in University Commons. Its décor, which includes new seating, tables, flooring, wall finishes and lighting, has been described as sleek and modern.
Overhead improvements include new lighting in parking lots 10, 9C and 9D, Varsity Drive and Rockefeller. Restoration of exterior masonry at Steele Hall also began. Parking Lot 10 entrance and Ring Road (Symphony Circle to Lot 9D) have been milled and repaved. Other road improvements include repainting of traffic lines and coating of crosswalks in various locations.
On the technology side, new card access control readers have been installed in Dods Hall, smart classrooms were upgraded in Grissom and Kasling halls and new security cameras have been installed in McGinnies Hall, Reed Library and Thompson Hall.
Miscellaneous interior painting was done in student rooms, kitchens, doorways and hallways in residence halls.
