Summer construction has campus poised for fall
The Roger B. Gatewood Wing addition to the Mechanical Engineering Building. Directly in the heart of campus, the $34.5 million state-of-the-art addition is the very first Purdue building constructed to LEED certification standards. (Purdue University photo/Andrew Hancock)
Orange may be the operative color on campus this summer. The highlighted signs of construction zones and street detours have alerted pedestrians and passers-by to Purdue's many rising buildings and restoration projects. Grand openings for several new and renovated facilities are anticipated for the fall, and rehabilitation and repair work began in full while the majority of the students were away.
Major construction
Mackey Arena Project: A crowning achievement in construction for Purdue Athletics, this $99.5 million renovation will be ready for rededication on the Mackey Celebration Weekend from Nov. 10 to 13. An auxiliary basketball practice court and more space for teams and programs should boost recruiting efforts, and upgraded facilities will welcome in fans. Work continues on the west side of the arena, including the newly constructed space for the West Side Club, a sports-themed cafe for fans. For more information, visit www.purduesports.com.
Roger B. Gatewood Wing: Purdue's first facility with LEED certification for environmental standards, the Gatewood Wing is a 41,000-square-foot expansion of the Mechanical Engineering Building. With construction completed, the last remaining areas around the building are now being landscaped. Furniture has been installed, and faculty and staff started moving into the facility on Aug. 1. The dedication for the $33 million building is scheduled for Oct. 21.
Bill and Sally Hanley Hall: Faculty, staff and students began moving into Hanley Hall this summer. The $12 million building is the new home to the Human Development Institute, which includes the Purdue Center on Aging and the Life Course. The 32,600 gross square feet of new space is also housing offices for the Department of Human Development and Family Services, child classroom laboratories, conference rooms and interdisciplinary research centers. A building dedication is set for Oct. 7.
Marriott Hall: The completion of this $12.2 million, 40,000-square-foot building is expected in September. The facility will upgrade all program areas of Purdue's School of Hospitality and Tourism Management. A new restaurant demonstration classroom that will seat more than 100 students, several new laboratories, a career center, student services area and reception place are the signature features.
Recreational Sports Center: The $98 million expansion and renovation to the 54-year-old "Co-Rec" continued in full swing this summer. Almost 70 percent of the new facility is scheduled to open in August 2012, says Howard Taylor, director of recreational sports. The remainder will open in October 2012. Outdated mechanical systems are being replaced with modern and efficient ones in the 430,000-square-foot facility. New features will include a climbing and bouldering wall, a recreational pool, a wellness center, expanded fitness and group exercise space and more.
First Street Towers: Construction of a third upscale residence hall in the First Street Towers complex continues with the building structure completed. Summer crews have been installing tile roofing, exterior masonry, interior walls and the mechanical rough-in. The $20 million expansion project saved $5 million off original cost projections by obtaining bids when construction costs were down. Currently, First Street Towers features 356 private rooms, each with a private bathroom, full climate control, free laundry facilities and weekly maid service. A family room sits at the center of each cluster of bedrooms. This common space is equipped with plasma TVs, custom furniture, dinette with coffee bar and WiFi. The project is on schedule for student occupancy in fall 2012.
Repair and rehabilitation
"Approximately $16.8 million of repair and rehabilitation (R&R) projects were completed this summer," says Keith Moore, senior R&R and data program manager.
The following projects should be nearly complete by the start of classes:
* Fire alarm and sprinkler installation or replacement projects in various buildings: $2.2 million
* Exterior repairs -- doors, masonry and painting projects: $4.1 million.
* HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) projects: $0.76 million.
* Infrastructure -- steam, sidewalk, tunnel and water projects: $3.2 million.
* Roofing: $4.2 million.
* Miscellaneous -- restrooms, lighting, dock lift, classrooms and elevator: $2.3 million
Moore says several long-term projects are still in or near the construction phase, most notably the $6.3 million final renovation phase of Lilly Hall.
Updated construction Photo gallery
