Teardown on time: Renovation on schedule for MSC, Military Walk

From The Battalion

By Melissa Appel

Published: Thursday, January 21, 2010

Photo Credit: Jeremy Northum

Even while students were away from College Station and enjoying the Christmas holidays free from schoolwork, workers continued progress on the multiple construction projects underway on campus.

The most prominent construction evident on campus is the renovation of the Memorial Student Center. Workers and administrators alike have placed emphasis on the ongoing progress of this important project.

"The project is on schedule and the contractors are working hard as a priority to get this project done on time," said MSCC President Stephanie Burns.

According to a Dec. 11, progress report, the project is on schedule and within budget. The majority of asbestos within the building has been removed. Burns said 50 percent of the demolition has been completed.

"Demolition and site work are progressing nicely," said Vice President for Facilities Chuck Sippial. "Asbestos is approximately 70 percent complete. Electrical, mechanical and plumbing reroutes are ongoing."

"We update the Web site regularly to highlight project updates and post photos," Burns said. "We're hoping to put up videos soon."

Photo Credit: Jeremy Northum

The construction completion date has been set for March 30, 2012.

Another highly visible construction site on campus is the reconstruction of Military Walk. The project, which has been underway since the beginning of August, has had some setbacks due to adverse weather conditions.

"Military Walk progress has been delayed by weather," Sippial said. "We are projecting the project will be complete the end of April 2010."

Transportation Services has continued to work on projects to improve parking facilities and pedestrian access on campus. Portions of Lot 100 will close for 90 days as it is renovated. The surface of Lot 100j will be redone with concrete and improvements to disability parking will be made. Lots 100i, 100j and 100k are to be connected to improve ease of access and to align the entrance with the intersection of Tom Chandler Drive and Olsen Boulevard.

"Pedestrian access will also be improved by adding a crossing area which will connect Olsen Field to the track and softball areas," said June Broughton, marketing manager for Transportation Services.

Lot 100k will remain open for parking throughout this process, and the project is set for completion at the end of April 2010. The Route 08 bus stop at Olsen Field will be moved during the project to accommodate construction.

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