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Printer-Friendly ModeConstruction reaches midpoint
July 19, 2005 —
With spring officially past and the summer semester underway, construction season on campus is at its halfway point with the majority of projects on target to be completed by fall. And while there are literally dozens of minor projects around campus completed or near completion, it is the large, costly projects that have garnered the most attention.
Perhaps the most notable summer construction relates to Dining Services. The Doan Cafe is undergoing a drastic transformation into the RFoC (Real Food on Campus) that has seen most of what was once recognizable as the Doan removed and replaced with a buffet-style system. As of press time, skylights and new tile have been installed as well as a floor-to-ceiling fireplace. A new walkway has been framed along the perimeter that will allow passer-bys to glimpse into the RFoC on their way to the one and only entry point near the Cardinal Cage. New furniture and carpeting will also be installed in the near future.
Across campus, construction is progressing on the Zahnow addition, which will be a new food court-style dining facility. The multi-million dollar addition features a wall of windows looking out into the courtyard and will be the new home for most of the vendors once located in the Doan Cafe. And while construction is moving satisfactorily, Steve Hocquard, assistant vice president for Campus Facilities, says that additions and construction for dining facilities are the most challenging.
"Food services in itself is complicated," he says. "It takes special equipment, special air handling...dealing with the authorities and health department...that sort of thing." And though progress has been made, Hocquard points out that "food service will be a real race to the finish."
In addition to dining facilities, massive construction has taken place for on-campus housing. The new phase for the University Village will be ready for the fall semester when students move in, while Living Center South is set to be finished by the winter semester. The demand for new housing has grown over the last few years, going along with the increase in enrollment and want for on-campus housing.
The Office of Admissions has also received a face-lift that has been challenging through the busy summer recruiting period. While the summer has been the ideal time for most other on-campus projects, the new offices and conference room for Admissions is coming at an inopportune time. Despite the challenge of working during Admissions busiest time of the year, Hocquard says the changes were necessary.
"Admissions is becoming more and more important because of the growth factor," he says. "You need the growth in order to do some things you'd like to do with the University. It's a competitive process out there and we want to be on the good side of the looks and operations here."
In regards to athletic facilities, a new floor, bleachers and railing have all been installed in the Cardinal Gym, updating the outdated gymnasium. The new floor replaces the old rubber floor, which had been plagued by moisture problems and bubbling. The new state-of-the-art floor will better resist moisture and features rubber feet on the plywood beneath the court to provide the best floor possible in terms of cushioning.
Major construction has also been taking place in Harvey Randall Wickes Memorial Stadium, where the seating on the visitors' side will be quadrupling and a new section will be added on the north side that will bring approximately 2,500 additional seats to the stadium.