As life at the University gradually returns to normal in the aftermath of Hurricane Isabel, construction crews are rejoicing that no major damage will further hinder the numerous renovation projects currently underway around Grounds.
Although some facilities on Grounds suffered minor damages due to fallen trees and heavy winds, officials from a number of the construction projects in progress said they were able to prepare sufficiently to secure the sites from any significant damage.
After a number of setbacks to the Ivy Road-Emmet Street Parking Garage due to inclement weather and concerns raised by residents in the area, University officials said the hurricane did not impact any of the remaining construction plans or dates.
According to Sack Johannesmeyer, director of facilities planning and construction, the worst consequence of the hurricane was simply a general loss of production.
"We lost [time] buttoning down for the hurricane and cleaning water from the site," Johannesmeyer said. He credited good preparation as the reason for the lack of overall damage to the structure.
Johannesmeyer also said the garage still is slated to open sometime in early November.
Similarly, construction workers at the Observatory Hill Dining Hall were able to avoid any further hurricane induced delays by taking time to prepare for the storm.
"We were very careful," said University Project Manager Libba Bowling. "We had a lot of measures in place."
Bowling said contractors are aiming for July 2004 as a possible completion date for the new three-story structure, which will combine the dining hall with the Tree House.
The ongoing additions to the Aquatic and Fitness Center also fared well in spite of the hurricane.
"We did very well -- surprisingly well," said associate athletic director Mark Fletcher. "The contractors had people literally spending the night here to monitor the problems. They did a great job securing the construction" site.
According to Fletcher, other athletic facilities weren't as lucky as the AFC. Damages to other athletic facilities were mainly a result of fallen trees, which penetrated the roof of Slaughter Gym and smashed fences around the Dell Tennis Courts.
The AFC addition, which will include a three-court gym and rooms for yoga and aerobics, tentatively is scheduled to be completed sometime this spring, Fletcher said.
"Rain can still slow us down," Fletcher said. "Like every other construction project on Grounds."
Workers at the Special Collections Library also were able to protect the construction site, which sits next to Alderman Library, from any potential damages from the storm.
"It helps to have an advanced warning," Director of Library Development Jeanne Hammer said. According to Hammer, the workers prepared for the storm by securing all loose materials at the site and bolting down the scaffoldings. Hammer also said the preparations for the hurricane were so thorough that Alderman Library actually suffered from fewer leaks and water damages than an earlier storm this semester caused.
Although Hammer conceded that the date may change due to inclement weather delays, the Special Collections Library still is officially scheduled to open April 12, 2004.
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