Construction underbudget and on schedule

Seattle University construction projects are on schedule in 2010 with the library due to be completed in the fall and a new residence hall to open tentatively in the fall of 2011.

According to Michael Kerns, assistant vice president of facilities administration, everything is running smoothly with the Lemieux Library renovation.

"Things have gone really well so far," said Kerns. "We haven't had many problems that aren't typical for building renovation."

Most of these problems arise because of the age of the building. The library is more than 50 years old, and the construction crew ran into a few issues with sizing—heating ducts were different sizes and not everything fit according to plan. So far, problems have been minor and easily fixed, and the library and learning commons are on track to open in the fall.

The library is currently at the masonry and glazing phase, meaning construction crews are focusing on installing outer and inner walls in the building.

"Pretty soon that thing is going to look more like a building and less like a construction site," said Joy Jacobson, director of capital construction.

According to Kerns, the library renovation is not only on time, but also under budget. He attributes this budget success to good weather in the early stages of the renovation.

"Starting a project like this first involves digging a very large hole," Kerns said. "If it rains at that stage, there is a likelihood of soil problems that can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars […] luckily, we managed to avoid that."

Next, Facilities is focusing on choosing furniture for the refurbished library. They set up some samples of prospective furniture in the interim library, which will be out until Feb. 12. There, students can test drive various chairs and study furniture and suggest their favorite choices.

One of Seattle U's other major projects is the student housing project on 12th Avenue and East Cherry Street, set to begin construction in May. The construction and ownership of these student apartments will be handled a little bit differently from the other, more traditional housing on campus.

Though the university owns the property, the building itself is being financed, built and managed by a separate developer, from whom Seattle U will lease the living space.

The building will be similar to a traditional apartment complex. It will have commercial spaces leased out on the ground floor, and apartments on the floors above ranging from studios to two-bedroom units. Students living in the building will sign a lease agreement with the developer instead of the university.

Facilities is currently hashing out final design issues with the developer, and construction is on target to begin in the spring. Kerns said the university is hoping to have the residence open by fall of 2011.

Also set to open around that time are the new additions to the Connolly Center. Though funding has not yet been completely decided upon, plans have been made for a two-story, 21,000-square-foot addition. The new space will include a fitness center, locker space, fitness classrooms and office spaces as well as expanded parking. The main entrance to Connolly will also be moved closer to the southern end of the building. The university is currently working on acquiring all of the permits necessary for the addition, and if funds are in order, Facilities hopes to begin construction in spring or summer of this year.

Katy may be reached at kmccourt@su-spectator.com.