With seemingly endless lines of red panels blanketing Grounds, students often may think construction is just a way of life at Mr. Jefferson's University. Progress, however, is being made every day. The new Special Collections library and the addition to the Aquatic & Fitness Center are both set to be completed this year.
The new Special Collections library, adjacent to Alderman and Clemons libraries, is about "85 percent done," according to project manager Don Riggin. The library will feature climate-controlled stacks, research centers, exhibit display facilities, multimedia classrooms and an auditorium.
Begun in April 2000, the original projected completion date of February 2004 has been pushed back to July 2004. The temporary access ramps to Alderman and Clemons libraries most likely will remain until early February.
"The building has a good chance of being completed in April -- the site by July," Riggin said. "I think it's going to be a building the University is proud of when we're done."
At the Aquatic & Fitness Center, the $10.4 million addition is nearing completion. It will include a three-court gymnasium, improved weight space, an indoor track and multipurpose rooms for classes. The AFC continues to operate on a normal schedule, and construction is expected to be completed in late April, according to Colette Sheehy, University vice president for management and budget.
On the west end of Grounds, the new Observatory Hill dining hall is expected to open in the fall 2004. The 1,100-seat facility will replace the smaller existing dining hall and the Tree House. When the new facility is complete, the older buildings will be demolished.
O-Hill Project Manager Libba Bowling described the lower floor as an emporium with "a store, Sbarro, a deli and a salad bar." Upstairs there will be a normal dining hall with a main entrance on the south side as well as a covered terrace and grass area for socializing.
On the north end of the University, construction on the $129.8 million John Paul Jones Arena is running on schedule. The facility that will replace University Hall includes a 15,000 seat basketball arena, practice courts, a weight room and a parking structure for 1,500 cars. The project has a projected completion date of May 2006.
"Concrete slabs are being poured for the main event level -- where the basketball bounces," said Richard Laurance, the project director. "Contract administration will be going on for another six months."
At the University's School of Engineering and Applied Science, construction on the $38.9 million Wilsdorf Hall on McCormick Road began in September. The five-story, 99,000 gross-square-foot building will house the materials science and chemical engineering departments and is projected to be done in early 2006.
"Progress so far has been mostly underground," said William A. Jesser, a materials science professor who helps oversee construction. "A lot of utilities under the site had to be moved."
Jesser described the "integrated" design with conference rooms, computer stations and a snack shop where students and faculty can mix.
University Alumnus Gregory H. Olsen, a former Ph.D. student of Jesser's, donated $15 million for the building, the largest gift the University's Engineering School has ever received.
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