Constructive time on campus

10:15 a.m., Aug. 7, 2003--Campus construction picks up in pace throughout the summer, with a wide range of new building, renovation and improvement projects under way, according to Gina Sinovich, senior project manager in Facilities Planning and Construction. Here is a progress report on building projects across the campus.

UD/Courtyard by Marriott Hotel

UD/Courtyard by Marriott Hotel
Construction continues on the four-story hotel, which will serve as a learning and research facility for students and faculty in the Department of Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Management. Block walls are complete with exterior brick installation under way. The fourth-floor ceiling joists are being installed in preparation for the roof trusses. Metal-stud walls are progressing throughout the building. The $12 million hotel, which is a joint project with the Shaner Hotel Group, is scheduled for completion in the late fall. Watch the construction in progress on the web at [www.udel.edu/hotel].

Mechanical Hall
Built in 1898 to house the mechanical and electrical engineering departments of the Delaware College and later the home of Army ROTC, Mechanical Hall will have a new role as the home of the Paul R. Jones Collection of African-American Art [www.udel.edu/PaulRJonesCollection/], with a gallery, research and study facilities and storage and office space.

The second floor of the building will include offices for Janis Tomlinson, the new director of the University Museum; UD benefactor Paul Jones; Amalia Amaki, curator of the Jones Collection; Ann Gibson, professor of art history, a specialist in contemporary and American art, including African-American art; Carole Marks, director of the Black American Studies Program; Bryant Tolles, director of the Museum Studies Program; J. Ritchie Garrison, acting director of the Winterthur Program in Early American Culture; and support staff.

Mechanical Hall

The metal fascia, gutters and downspouts are complete; the exterior masonry has been repointed; and precast window sills have been installed. In addition, site services (electrical and chilled water) are complete. Windows, drywall on the first and second floors, ductwork, light fixtures and the elevator currently are being installed. The extensive renovation is planned for completion in mid-October.

Christiana East Towers bathroom renovation
One hundred thirty five bathrooms in the 17-story Christiana East Tower are being redone. The renovation includes the installation of new water piping and insulation, ceramic tile floors, acoustical tile ceilings, lighting and plumbing fixtures, including replacing tubs with Corian® showers. In addition, bathrooms will have built-in linen shelves. The project is scheduled for completion the week of Aug. 11.

Lane Hall bathroom renovation
The bathroom renovation in Lane Hall included replacing all plumbing fixtures, stall doors, lighting and installing new convection heating. The project is essentially completed.

Morris Library Reserve Room renovation
The Reserve Room renovation includes updating data/electric equipment, new carpeting, painting and new furnishings including a reserve desk, free standing tables, study carrels and chairs. The Copy Center will be relocated to the lower level although five copiers will remain in the Reserve Room.

Morris Library Reserve Room

Residence hall sprinklers
The completion of a major three-phase residence hall sprinkler installation in Gilbert, Harrington and Russell complexes is scheduled for completion the week of Aug. 11.

Smith Hall
Steam and condensate replacement work is being carried out between two manholes on South College and Amstel avenues, serving Smith, Purnell and Lerner (formerly MBNA America) halls and Amy E. du Pont Music Building.

Traffic lights
Two new traffic lights are being installed at the intersections of Amstel and South College Avenue and Kent Way and South College Avenue in time for the beginning of the fall semester. The lights will replace the current blinking yellow lights at the pedestrian crossings. The installation of the two traffic lights is a safety measure to help control vehicular and pedestrian traffic and make it move more smoothly, particularly when classes are changing, according to Rich Armitage, director of government relations. There will be a few weeks of education and training about the new lights by the Newark Police Department, followed by enforcement by UD Public Safety.

Article by Sue Moncure
Photos by Kevin Quinlan

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