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| Peter Larkins | The Appalachian |
A construction worker surveys
the progress outside the University Bookstore annex. The project
is one of several dozen on campus.
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by Leslie Rasimas
Staff Writer
There are more than 70 construction projects on university property
right now. Academic buildings undergo constant renovation, and students
relocate from dorm to dorm to accommodate assembly schedules.
Sonja E. Brittain, senior finance and banking major, said she thinks
too much construction at once makes the campus less attractive.
“It stinks that I’m not going to be able to enjoy anything
under construction, even though part of my tuition goes to pay for
it. Right now we don’t get to use half of our campus because
there is stuff going on everywhere,” Brittain said.
Director of Design and Construction Dr. Clyde D. Robbins said there
are a lot of projects under construction, and each one is making
its own progress.
Robbins said Rankin Hall renovation has two phases. Phase I, the
demolition of the old section of Rankin Hall, was completed last
summer.
Phase II, an addition where the old building was located, should
be completed by late 2005, he said.
Project Manager Allison Kemp-Sullivan said the addition will house
the departments while the old space is renovated.
“Once the entire project is complete, Rankin will have space
for biology, geology, planning, astronomy and geography,”
she said.
The Student Recreation Center, scheduled for construction on Bodenheimer
Drive, will replace Broome-Kirk Gymnasium, Robbins said.
The center will include an indoor swimming pool, locker space with
restrooms, running track, climbing wall, basketball courts and adjacent
parking spaces, according to a recent Design and Construction status
report.
Robbins said the Student Recreation Center should be finished by
March or April 2005.
A new dining facility plan is underway to replace Welborn Dining
Hall.
“We haven’t started the new dining hall yet because
we have not completed the new Student Recreation Center. The new
dining hall will go where Broome-Kirk Gymnasium is located,”
Robbins said.
According to the status report, the two-story building will have
direct access from Rivers Street. A “skywalk” from the
Parking Deck to the upper level of the dining hall will provide
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and general access.
Once the new dining hall is completed, Welborn Hall will be demolished
and the site will be redesigned to become part of Sanford Mall,
Robbins said.
The total project should be completed in early 2005, according to
the status report.
Robbins said an athletic facilities plan has begun for the university.
“Owens Field House will be demolished in 2005. The new field
turf and track resurfacing in Kidd Brewer Stadium was completed
[August 20, 2003],” he said.
Renovations and additions under the athletic facilities plan include
an all-weather practice area for intercollegiate sports and intramurals
in Varsity Gymnasium, improvements on stadium seating and a support
area in Kidd Brewer Stadium, according to the status report.
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