According to Terrence Hurssey, director of capital projects andinterim director of facilities management,CollegeHallI renovations are taking a little longer than expected due tounanticipatedenvironmental concerns.
“Asbestos wasfound on the brick veneers,” said Hurssey. “This caused us to extend the project because we had to abate the buildingof all asbestos containing material.”
The renovation process beganin 2015.
The budget had already been set for construction according to previous construction jobsuntilasbestos was found. A large sum was taken away from the original budget fortheabatementprocess.
“Funding sources that were allocated for construction had to be used to correct the environmental concerns,subsequently wehadtoincrease the budget,” continued Hurssey.
He also said the building has toundergo two phases before construction begins. “The first phase was abatement and demolition,” he continued. “Wehavecompletedthedesign development phaseand starting theconstruction documents phase.”
“The construction documents should be ready by Sept. 1,” added Hurssey.
Although the renovation processis a bit lengthy,CollegeHallIis expected to featurelaundry rooms, hard wood floors, computer labsandimproved exterior andinterior lighting.
“Itis going to be completely redesigned,” said Hurssey. “It will look very similar to MagnoliaHall.”
Because ofCollegeHallI’s historical significance, the structure of the building will remainsimilar to the old structure.
“The buildingis going to bepracticallynew with the exception of the roof and the foundation,” continued Hurssey.
The buildingis expected to be completed by fall 2018.