The University plans to continue with heavy construction this fall. The development plans of Allen Hall, Lewis Integrative Science Building, Fenton Hall and East Campus Residence Hall have tentative completion dates between the last quarter of 2011 and through 2012. Spearheaded by three major construction companies — Lease Crutcher Lewis, Chambers Construction and Hoffman Construction Company of Portland — the transformation of the campus landscape is an exciting process. Below is a description of the progress of each building and the nature of the work.
Allen Hall
Allen Hall construction started in June 2011 with a projected completion date of December 2012. The summer construction involves demolition and site excavation work for building the additional foundation needed for its southward expansion of offices and classrooms. Currently, the School of Journalism and Communication is moved to Agate Hall with temporary offices located in the building.
“The addition will be separated from the existing 1922 east wing with an open three-story volume for lounges and a circulating stair through the middle,” said Martina Bill, who is a planning associate for University Campus Planning & Real Estate. “The existing structure will be renovated for seismic and energy upgrades including remodeled classrooms and offices. The third floor computer labs will also be opened up and remodeled into a Digital Commons area.”
Lewis Integrative Science Building
The Lewis Integrative Science Building began in August 2010 and is slated for completion by 2012. With a projected cost of $65 million, the building will be home to strategic research groups related to the human brain, molecular biology, nanotechnology and solar energy. It will also include 100,000 square feet of laboratory, office and collaboration spaces.
According to a May 2011 construction update by Project Engineer Tanner Perrine, the building has completed its last amount of concrete structure progresses. The major vertical concrete milestones are completed, and the start of the structural steel area has begun.
For the south elevation of the building, the exterior framing and miscellaneous steel scope has been completed. Workers have also framed the exterior walls including window openings. In the upcoming month, the building exterior will see a change as the exterior sheathing in preparation for the installation of brick veneer, weather barrier and insulation. The interior will see more work in mechanical, plumbing, electrical and fire sprinkler installments, with the basement, first and second levels currently in motion.
East Campus Residence Hall
The East Campus Residence Hall started construction in the summer of 2010 and plans to open in fall 2012. At an estimated cost of $71.5 million, the new residence hall is part of a plan to upgrade the quality of residence halls, which also ties into the goal of increasing enrollment from 22,400 to 24,000 students.
The building will feature a Learning Commons including practice rooms with multimedia technology; multipurpose rooms seating up to 300; larger rooms and semi-suites; and an entire first floor and mezzanine of classrooms, lounges, study rooms and dining facilities for nonresident students, faculty and staff.
“Based up appearance, my professional judgment would say that the project appears to be in the range of 25 percent to 30 percent complete,” said Facilities Services Capital Projects Manager Bradley Black.
Black says the structural system is complete. Workers are in the process of installing the metal roofing and exterior brick skin.
“Over the next few months, you will see the windows being installed and the brick veneer installation. On the interior, wall framing and installation of electrical, mechanical and plumbing systems are occurring on all floors. The project is on schedule,” Black said.