To further improve campus and its infrastructure, The University of Akron has a slate of state-funded construction projects planned for the coming months. Disruptions will occur, but the goal is to limit inconveniences to pedestrians and drivers, and the occasional abnormal temperatures in some buildings.
The scheduled projects include:
Central Hower
To increase efficiency and reliability of utility service at Central Hower, the building will be connected to both the University’s centralized chilled water system and electrical grid. Buchtel Avenue will be closed for approximately seven days, beginning May 18 between South Union and South College streets. Lot 24 will undergo partial closures throughout the summer. Detour signage is posted to reroute traffic around the area. Disruption to Central Hower’s cooling system is expected to be minimal.
Utility Vault
The underground utility vault to the east of the Goodyear Polymer Center is undergoing needed repairs through approximately Aug. 11. Domestic hot water and reheat for the mechanical systems will be off-line during the project for both the Goodyear Polymer Center and Whitby Hall. The ambient temperature in those two buildings will feel cooler than normal, so have a sweater or light jacket available.
Heat Exchanger
Knight Chemical Laboratory and Mary Gladwin Hall will receive a new heat exchanger. The project is scheduled to begin July 15 and conclude Sept. 15. Domestic hot water and reheat for the mechanical systems will be off-line during the project for both buildings. The ambient temperature in those two buildings will feel cooler than normal, so have a sweater or light jacket available.
Electrical Infrastructure Loop
To help achieve a more stable and dependable electrical network for campus, redundancy is being created and electrical feeders and transformers are being upgraded. The project began May 8 and will conclude by August 2018. It will occur throughout the campus grounds, including Ayer Hall and Crouse Hall (south side), McDowell Law Center, including Lot 34, Bierce Library (west side), and South and Exchange Street Residence Halls (south side). Access to Lot 34 and the South College Street turnaround will be limited at various times during the project.
Roof Replacements
The roofs of Ayer Hall, Cummings Center for the History of Psychology, Lincoln Building and the James A. Rhodes Annex will be replaced. Work at Ayer Hall will begin June 12 and be completed by July 18. The other roof replacements will be done between June 1 and Sept. 8.
Grant Residence Hall Razing
The vacant Grant Hi-Rise and the adjacent townhomes are expected to be razed between Aug. 1 and Sept. 30. The site will be restored as a green space. Traffic will likely be rerouted during portions of the razing.
UA Police Department (UAPD)
UAPD will be relocated from the former Trecaso Building to 23 South College St. (north side of the Administrative Services Building). Minor renovations are under way, and UAPD will be relocated by July 1. The former Trecaso Building will be razed between July 1 and Aug. 30. The vacated site will be restored as a green space. Traffic will likely be rerouted during portions of the razing.
E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall
The re-facing of the voluminous lobby wall area will be completed as phenolic panels are installed. The panels will respect the architectural significance of the building, but are designed to withstand the unique environmental conditions of the building. The 12-week project will begin June 15.
McDowell Law Center
The final phase of the McDowell Law Center renovation will be completed by July 31. It includes classrooms, seminar, and group study rooms; café; lounge; and a state-of-the-art ceremonial moot court classroom with a judge’s chamber and jury deliberation room.
Buchtel Hall HVAC Replacement
The Buchtel Hall air conditioning system will undergo repairs that are being timed as closely as possible to the fall changeover from cooling to heating. This project will only impact Buchtel Hall.
Contact Nathan Mortimer, vice president for finance and administration/CFO at ext. 6501 or Stephen Myers, interim chief planning and facilities officer, at ext. 6631 with inquiries.