The winter construction season is concluding, and the summer construction season will begin soon. Several projects have been completed or are nearing completion while others will soon begin. Following is a brief summary of the University’s significant capital projects — including renovations and infrastructure improvements:
Buckingham Center for Continuing Education Renovations (State Capital Funded)
The Buckingham Center for Continuing Education is receiving some upgrades and improvements. The renovation project includes replacing the air handling system and other building aesthetic improvements. Upon completion in July, the building will also welcome Academic Achievement Programs.
The Buckingham Center for Continuing Education is largely inaccessible through April 30 as significant construction continues; however, soon thereafter, the building will be largely accessible to and from the College of Business Administration. Certain floors within Buckingham are restricted access during the entire construction period and signage is posted.
Campus Infrastructure Improvements – Vaults and Electrical (State Capital Funded)
The University continues to update and modernize its infrastructure. Construction is expected to begin this month to replace the Martin Garden utility vault and construction is expected to be completed during August. A sizable area around the Martin Garden will be fenced off during construction, but pedestrian access will be maintained around the site.
Also, the planned electric distribution system improvements continue. This project will increase the stability of the University’s electric grid and will provide redundancy to several buildings within the campus core. During March and April, the construction site will be located to the south side of Zook Hall. Pedestrian traffic will remain readily available in the general area and signage redirecting pedestrian traffic will be posted as appropriate.
April through June, the construction site will migrate to the south sides of Leigh and Kolbe halls. Pedestrian traffic will be somewhat restricted, but signage redirecting pedestrian traffic will be posted.
Electrical shutdowns to connect buildings to the new infrastructure will take place throughout the summer and those will be scheduled with building occupants.
Field House Turf and Baseball Field Renovations (UA Foundation Funded and Donations)
The Stile Athletics Field House turf was replaced and construction of the new artificial turf surface for the baseball field at Lee Jackson Field is complete. The ball field’s scoreboard will be installed, and site restoration will be completed this spring. The ballfield’s bleachers and press box will be added this summer.
The Zips baseball team has already practiced on the field and hosted games.
IT Infrastructure – Cabling/Wiring Replacement (State Capital Funded)
The yearlong initiative to replace existing cabling within many buildings continues. The effort will modernize its foundation and will lead to improved wire and wireless capabilities within the buildings. The project is expected to be completed this July.
In most instances, the work continues to be performed after normal working hours.
Gallucci Hall Abatement and Razing (State Capital and Locally Funded)
Gallucci Hall has been abated and razed. Site restoration is well under way and will be completed this spring.
Crouse Hall and Ayer Hall Consolidation and Renovations Project (State Capital and Locally Funded)
Design is well under way for the consolidation and renovation of Ayer and Crouse halls into a single building. The improved facility will house labs, faculty and administrative offices, and modern general-purpose lecture halls.
The current Ayer Hall and Crouse Hall occupants will be relocated by June and the construction project will begin in July. By fall 2022, the newly renovated and slightly expanded Crouse Hall will welcome back the departments of geology and physics.
Contact Nathan Mortimer, vice president for operations at ext. 6501 or Stephen Myers, chief planning and facilities officer, at ext. 6631 with inquiries.