Facilities and Planning Newsletter 

Spring 2000

The design and construction staff of the Facilities and Planning Department has numerous projects at various stages slated for the summer/fall of 2000.  Typically, we see a peak in construction activities in the summer months and this summer should be no different.  The scheduled projects vary in size and complexity including building renovations and additions, parking lot expansions, building system replacements and construction of a new Physical Therapy building.  Project specifics are as follows:

Ground breaking is scheduled for April for the new multi-million dollar state of the art Physical Therapy Building.  The 41,000 square foot, three story, block and brick building will be located between Vincent Science Hall and Spotts World Culture facing Bailey Library.  Physical Therapy faculty offices, classrooms, smart classrooms, research labs and cadaver labs will be housed in the new building.  The building will also feature multi-level entrances.  Construction is scheduled to be completed by summer of 2001.

The Heating Plant renovation project is currently under way.  Contractors are mobilizing and working on the required submittals.  This is the first phase of a two phase project.  Phase I includes the installation of additional gas firing to the existing coal fired boilers #1 and #2 and is scheduled to be completed in July.  The above work is necessary because of citations issued by the Department of Environmental Protection for stack emissions violations.  Design of Phase II will immediately follow the completion of Phase I and will include a new stack, conversion of boiler #3 to gas, coal handling improvements and demolition of the existing coal silo.

The badly deteriorated heating system in Bard Hall is scheduled to be replaced this summer with a new four pipe heating and cooling system.  This project will also be done in two phases May to September 2000 and May to September 2001.

With the completion of the campus wide master plan, North Hall will become a "one stop shop" for students needing assistance from various departments in numerous buildings. The first step is to relocate the Health Services Department. The first floor of the east/west wing of Rhoads Hall was chosen as the best location. Design is nearing completion and construction should start in September.  The space will be developed into a more department-oriented facility than that is currently being used by Health Services. Construction is scheduled to be completed in April 2001. 

According to the dining services people Rocky's Grill has become a popular social center for students. Design of 2500 square foot (176 seating) single story addition is nearly completed. An exterior wood deck will also be included. he addition will face the new Recreation Facility and Swope Music Hall.  Construction is scheduled to start in July and proceed into late fall.

The Department of General Services is coordinating a project for the renovation of West Hall. Built around 1900, West Hall has had limited work performed to it other than a new roof in 1993. Offices of International Initiatives and Modern Languages offices and classrooms are slated to occupy the building. The project includes a new elevator, new electrical/plumbing/hvac systems, new windows and a new main entrance facing Maltby avenue. Construction is scheduled to start January 2001.

The bleacher system in Morrow Field House has been a maintenance problem for many years. Proposals for the bleacher replacement, including additional seating, are now being accepted. After the existing bleachers are removed, the arena wood floor will also be replaced. Both systems are from the original building construction of the 1960's.  In addition, the outlining "grass-tex" area is being considered for replacement. All work will start immediately following spring commencement, and finish in the early fall.   A fast track design is underway for repairs and renovations to the Spotts World Culture elevated Walkway.  Due to many years of exposure to the elements, the walkway deck is badly deteriorated and the structure is experiencing some movement. The concrete steps will be replaced, the deck will be repaired and the stability of the structural supports will be reviewed. A new cover will also be added to protect the walkway from the weather and improve pedestrian use. The work is tentatively scheduled to start July and finish sometime in the fall.  

A considerable amount of work is being planned as part of the ongoing multiple year asphalt maintenance contract. The baseball field parking will be expanded and reconfigured. Founders Hall parking lot will be resurfaced. The existing tennis courts at Founders will be converted to a parking lot.The Swope parking lot will be expanded to connect with the new lot created when the Aebersold Recreation Facility was built. Paving will start with good weather conditions and continue through the paving season.

As you can see this summer's construction season will be very busy. Hopefully most of the above mentioned work will be performed with minimal disruption to the campus community.

-Renovation of Head Start Building to New Martha Gault Art Gallery

-Renovation of Basement of Vincent House for New Classroom for Counsel/Ed Psychology

-Completed 117G Office Complex at Vincent Science Hall.

-Rock Lab--Room 210A/B--Vincent Science Hall

-Safety Modifications to Pool Bleachers--Morrow Field House

-Bus Shelters--Weisenfluh & Rock Apartments

-Construct New Office--Purchasing Department, Old Main.

-Renovate Printing Services Area at Stores Building
 

Safety Zone
By Deb Vogan
 

Are you aware of the rule of thumb for back flexion?  When an individual attempts to lift a heavy object, not only are they picking up the weight of the object but also 60% of their own body weight.
 
 
For Example:
 

Object weight = 40lbs.

Individual's weight = 125lbs.

125 x 60% = 75lbs. + 40 lbs. = 115lbs.

Using a back belt does not increase your muscle strength.  The belt does not make you stronger.  The above safety tips can be applied to all of Facilities Crews.  For additional information on proper lifting techniques and back belt usage, contact Bill Rudloff or Ron Steele.
 

Using proper lift techniques will help prevent back injuries.

-Bend at the Knees

-Lift with your legs not your back

-Keep back straight and in its normal S curve

-Utilize handles to improve grip

-Do not twist at completion of a lift, step and turn
 

Good Luck and Be Safety Conscious

The Safety Zone column will appear in every newsletter.  If you have a specific topic that you would like to see addressed in this column, please contact the newsletter committee.
 
 

Did You Know That.......

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