Sept. 8, 2009 issue
Science Complex heads summer construction activity on campus

By Ron Podell

 

For many, summer includes taking a vacation, sunning by the pool or reading a good book.

At Eastern Michigan University, the summer months are the prime construction season on campus. And, this summer, particularly, as barrier fencing and torn-up sidewalks and parking lots have been the norm.

CONSTRUCTION CENTER: Construction on the west side of Mark Jefferson — marked by the sight of huge cranes — has been the focal point of activity on campus this summer. The project's first phase will create an 86,130-gross-square-foot addition to the existing structure. The facility is expected to open in fall 2010.

"Overall, we're pretty excited here at the physical plant with all the physical improvements taking place. We have $175 million in construction planned over the next three years," said Scott Storrar, EMU's director of facilities planning and construction services. "We're encouraged that, when all the students, faculty and staff return, there will be a noticeable difference to facilities and campus as a whole."

The most visible project has been the construction at Mark Jefferson. Four large cranes (the tallest measuring 225 feet and used to erect steel) , bulldozers and dump trucks have been familiar sights since late April on the west side of the existing science building structure. Approximately $90 million of the bond money is being used for this project. Most of this summer's effort on the science complex is site work that includes laying the foundation for the building addition, relocation of a section of existing utilities and creation of an underground detention system.

The project will involve a renovation and modernization of existing space in the Mark Jefferson Building, which was originally constructed in 1967. The project's first phase will create an 86,130 gross square-foot addition to the existing structure. The second phase will renovate the existing 182,802-square-foot structure and focus on improving mechanical and electrical systems, structural improvements, a new roof and site improvements.

The new science complex will house biology, chemistry, geography and geology, physics and astronomy, and psychology.

"We're slated to receive the fabricated steel for the addition. We're going to complete the addition first before going into renovation of the existing building," Storrar said. "We're looking to have the structure of the addition far enough along in November so we can be in a position to work inside through the winter."

The goal is to open the science complex in fall 2010, Storrar said.

Pray-Harrold planning

While movement on Mark Jefferson is visible to anyone who has to navigate the spider web of fencing surrounding that project, work on renovating Pray-Harrold won't start until late January 2010 or early February 2010, Storrar said.

But, the $42 million renovation project is progressing. Last September, Gov. Jennifer Granholm approved $31.5 million in capital outlay funds for Pray-Harrold, EMU's largest — and oldest — classroom building. Eastern Michigan is contributing $10.5 million or 25 percent of the cost. Pray-Harrold, at 237,108 square feet, was built in 1969 and serves an average of 10,000 students a day.

Design development documents were completed at the end of August, Storrar said.

"We've mostly concentrated on the mechanical and electrical infrastructure systems. We will do some renovations to the auditoriums and create common space on the main level and enhance the aesthetics of the main entry on the second floor," Storrar said.

New DPS headquarters

TECHNICAL CENTER: The former Hoyt Conference Center is the new headquarters of EMU's Department of Public Safety, Parking, and Health and Safety. Here, dispatcher Christine Harrison monitors multiple computer screens in the dispatch center.

During August, the Department of Public Safety, Parking and Emergency Management made its long-anticipated move into new headquarters at the former Hoyt Conference Center on 1200 Oakwood St. A $3.9 million renovation of 12,000 square feet of office space began in January and DPS employees moved into their new digs Aug. 10. Approximately 33 police officers and DPS administrators made the move from the parking structure near Bowen Field House.

"We relocated the entire dispatch unit from the parking structure to Hoyt Conference Center," Storrar said.

"The new police building is a tremendous step up for the police department," said Greg O'Dell, EMU's executive director of public safety. "It's greatly improve the working conditions of police officers. It is now customer-friendly. Rather than having one cramped parking window, we now have four separate window. We're ready to operate for the fall rush."

Existing space on Hoyt's main level and a portion of the basement were renovated and a sally port, elevator and stair tower addition were built, Storrar said.

Additional space in Hoyt also now allows DPS to have interview rooms for people to report crimes on campus. Previously, there was only a small briefing room for police officers in the previous parking structure offices. Because the conference center is located near Hill, Hoyt and Pittman halls, and within relatively easy walking distance from the Student Center, it is more visible and accessible to students on campus.

"That was one of the reasons the (Hoyt) site was selected, its proximity to the Towers and Student Center," O'Dell said. "I can look out my window and see that the First-Year Center is not that far away. A recognizable location is something we're certainly hoping for."

The main entrance is located on the northwest side of the building. A small customer parking lot with five spaces is now available, O'Dell said.

All phone numbers remain the same. For emergency assistance, call 911. DPS dispatch is 487-1222. The police administrative offices number is 487-0892. The parking department number is 487-3450. The SEEUS phone is 487-3387. Emergency Management's phone number is 487-0799. For more information, go to http://www.emich.edu/publicsafety/

To hear Chief O'Dell talk about the new headquarters, go to http://www.emich.edu/video/index.php?v=dpsnewhome

Dorm rooms continue to be upgraded

Upgrades to residence halls and campus apartments have been staples of EMU's summer construction plan for the past three years. This year, 23 units in Westview Apartments are the focus of $350,000 worth of upgrades. These include renovation of interior space, including replacement of ceramic floor tiles, kitchen cabinets, hardwood floors, lighting fixtures and plumbing upgrades, said Dieter Otto, director custodial, waste management, motor pool and grounds services.

Additionally, $265,000 has been poured into annual apartment preparation and inspections.

"We conduct an inspection of the residence hall rooms prior to move-in," Otto said. "It could mean we find a light switch is broken or a garbage disposal doesn't work.

In all, 1,586 dormitory rooms are cleaned and inspected during the summer. Approximately 750 dorm rooms are then re-cleaned to suppport summer camps, dining, athletics, band, etc., he said.

For Wise Hall, a major change was the replacement of the heating system from one that is steam-based to water.

"It will allow for better individual room control and improve energy effectiveness," Otto said.

Door alarms were installed at the First-Year Center, which includes Walton, Putnam, Phelps and Sellers halls.

Parking process

REPAVED LOT: Snow Lot was repaved this summer and now has 41 spaces.

If you ask EMU employees and students what can be aggravating about campus, parking usually is at the forefront. Or lack of it, if you eliminate the long trudge from North Lot, which many on campus vocally abhor.

This past summer, some new parking spaces were added and a few existing lots completely rebuilt. The result is an additional 29 spaces along West Circle Drive, 41 repaved spots in the Snow Lot and 426 spaces in the Ann Street Lot, which was torn up and rebuilt from scratch.

Sidewalk scramble

NEW SIDEWALK: This sidewalk, located between Strong and Rackham halls, was replaced during the summer. In all, more than 24,730 square feet of old sidewalk on campus has been replaced or new sidewalk installed where none existed.

If you've walked anywhere on campus this summer, it was not unusual to come across multiple sidewalks in various states of disrepair and marked by piled rubble. In all, more than 24,730 square feet of old sidewalk has been replaced or new sidewalk installed where none existed, Otto said.

This includes sidewalk replacement in front of Snow Health Center, the Rec/IM, Sill Hall, the Coatings Research Center, Hoyt Conference Center, Walton Hall, Putnam Hall, University Park and the DC-1 courtyard. New sidewalks were installed around the retention pond on the north end of campus, and between the volleyball and basketball courts north of the Student Center. Concrete steps and upper and lower landings at the Eastern Eateries were replaced, as well as one of the steps in the DC1 courtyard.

Aesthetic enhancements

In addition to multiple construction projects, some aesthetic enhancements took place with an emphasis on working them into the natural landscape, Otto said.

A number of large rocks were placed near the Rec/IM, the west entrance of the College of Business in downtown Ypsilanti, the west side of McKenny Hall and a decorative "e" made out of white stones was placed on the east side of Boone Hall along Cross Street, he said.

"When school starts, you'll see all kinds of people sitting on those rocks," Otto said. "We're replacing some of those concrete benches."

ROCK SOLID: Sisters Maria and Stella Rodriguez , both of Ypsilanti, take a break and check their text messages while sitting on a rock bench. The physical plant has located a number of large rocks around campus to serve as places for students to sit and relax. Maria, a sophomore, was showing Stella, a freshman, the campus.

Retaining walls have been replaced on the west side of Downing Hall and at 600 W. Forest Ave. A memorial tree outside Halle Library was replaced.

Dirt — approximately 40,000 cubic yards of it — was excavated from the Mark Jefferson construction project and has been used to create natural berms around campus.

"By the time we are done, we'll have excavated approximately 60,000 cubic yards. The savings by keeping the material on campus versus sending the material to a landfill will be approximately $800,000," Storrar said.

Some of the natural berms were built along North Lot, North Lot 2, and Central Stores, he said.

Approximately 120 flats of flower annuals, 40 flats of perennials and 200 yards each of topsoil and mulch were used to spruce up various areas around campus.

Visual improvements also are taking place inside, what with nearly 548,340 square feet of building space carpet being cleaned; almost 302,265 square feet of floors waxed; and more than 30,000 square feet of grouted flooring in locker rooms and bathrooms.

"By the time the students get back, we will have either cleaned, waxed or grouted more than 900,000 square feet of campus flooring," Otto said.

Construction up north

CREATIVE CONSTRUCTION: Approximately $2.1 million was spent to upgrade the Parsons Project, some of which is pictured above, near Traverse City. This pathway leads to a new dining facility (pictured) Photo by Travis Temeyer

Not all summer construction took place on EMU's main campus. Approximately $2.1 million was spent to upgrade the Parsons Project near Traverse City. A nearly 3,000-square-foot dining hall a 3,377-square-foot classroom lab/studio and a 1,072-square-foot rustic sleeping lodge for six was built this summer on an 86-acre wooded property in Interlochen, near Traverse City.

"It's a retreat area with a lab studio for the arts and sciences," Storrar said. "The construction is low impact."

Jean Noble Parsons, a renowned sculptor and potter, passed away in 2000 and left a $2.2 million gift of cash and property in her trust to EMU. The trust included $1.75 million in cash and $489,000 in property.

Eastern Michigan University's departments of art, biology and psychology currently offer numerous spring and summer classes and workshops on the property through EMU's Continuing Education program.

"It's definitely an exciting time for EMU," Otto said.

Odds and ends

There were a number of projects completed this summer that don't fall into any discernible category, but nonetheless were important. They are as follows:

• Doors were replaced and areas cleaned up on the stairwells of the parking structure near Bowen Field House. Relighting those stairwells with LED (light emitting lighting diode) will take place this fall, Storrar said.

• Classroom 101 in the College of Business was renovated at a cost of $69,000. A larger classroom was converted into two smaller classrooms, which will utilize the space more efficiently.

• The elevator in the Porter Building was out of commission during May, June and part of July due to a leak in the hydraulic jack. The elevator came back online July 15. The cost of the project was a little more than $54,000.

"The whole hydraulic jack assembly had to be replaced," Storrar said.

• The Brown Hall elevator also was repaired, when 200 feet of hydraulic oil line was replaced. In addition, all 69 elevators were manually inspected and approved by the state of Michigan.

• Repairs were made to the roof of Starkweather Hall.

• Air-conditioning units in King Hall were repaired. Approximately 20 feet of pipe on the main chiller pipe was replaced and covered with temporary concrete. This work is related to air conditioning working properly in Boone, Ford, King, Pease, Sherzer, Starkweather and Welch halls.

• The cooling tower pump on the roof of Halle Library was rebuilt.