 "Photo: Braden VanDragt | The Spectator")
Editor's note: This story has been changed to reflect that the Lemieux Library will reopen fall quarter of 2010, not this coming Sept. 22.
By the time fall quarter starts, steel girders will be protruding out of the library building and the ground in front of the library will be totally excavated. Seattle U will see no shortage of noise and activity this summer in preparation for the library renovation and various other projects around campus.
Construction workers have already been gearing up to start work full-time on the library project. Though the $55 million library renovation will be the focus of summer construction work, several other improvements will be made to the campus, including new music labs, new advising offices and building extensions.
The Lemieux Library will close its doors to all non-construction personnel June 13, the last day of finals. Nine days later, the interim library at 1313 Columbia St. will open. Major construction will begin June 15 and will continue until the library re-opens its doors fall quarter 2010.
"There are a lot of unknowns that can make or break our construction schedule," said Dave Bonewitz, one of the university supervisors of the library project. "Even so, we're quite confident we can finish on time."
As work continues on the library through the next academic year, some changes will be made to minimize danger to students and faculty. The C-Street exit that leads to the library will be locked and the road between the engineering building and the library will be fenced off as long as construction persists.
Those who regularly park on the west side of campus, in either the garage or the parking lot, can expect to see delays as construction vehicles move in and out of the area throughout the day.
According to university project manager Steve de Bruhl, attempts will be made to lower the amount of disruption construction activity causes.
The groundbreaking ceremony for the new library was held today in the library foyer, hosted by Seattle U President Stephen Sundborg, S.J.
Additionally, the university has several smaller capital projects to work on this summer, though the library project takes up a majority of time and money.
"We've had to scale back on spending because of the economy," said Joy Jacobson, director of capital construction. "We don't normally have a $55 million dollar building project to deal with, but we're working around it."
A new digital music lab will be constructed in the Fine Arts building. It will feature an additional classroom as well as support for new composition technology. The new Admissions and Alumni building will be finished in July. The Kinsey Gallery will move from its current location in the Casey building to the Admissions and Alumni building, and the current Kinsey Gallery space will be transformed into advising offices.
The loading dock for the Student Center will be upgraded to facilitate more sustainable practices for recycling, composting and waste disposal. Some moderator apartments in Xavier will be remodeled and will include brand new kitchen units.
A remodel of the Sullivan Law building will also commence this summer. The Seaport Building, which is currently occupied by custodial offices and storage, will be emptied and eventually converted into an expansion of the law school.
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