Building for the future
UD construction projects were in full gear over summer months
9:50 a.m., Sept. 2, 2011--While many members of the University of Delaware community were away from campus during the summer, work continued on construction projects ranging from the new University Bookstore to the Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering Laboratory.
Summer projects also included substantial building renovations and infrastructure updates.
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“The pace of construction activity has increased,” David Singleton, vice president of Facilities and Auxiliary Services, said. “Several projects have been completed over the summer and several more are continuing.”
The new UD Bookstore had a “soft” opening on Aug. 1, less than a year after construction began. Operated by Barnes and Noble Booksellers, the store is located on Main and Academy streets in Newark. An official grand opening was held Sept. 1.
The offices of Development and Alumni Relations are located on the building’s third floor.
Another completed project, the UDairy Creamery, began serving UDairy ice cream products on Ag Day, April 30, at its location adjacent to Townsend Hall.
The new Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering Laboratory heads the list of major new building initiatives. Located on the corner of Academy Street and Lovett Avenue, the facility will include classrooms and labs with state-of-the-art equipment. The building also will house several research institutes, including those focused on energy and the environment.
“This signature project is the most technically sophisticated building ever built on the UD campus,” Singleton said. “With research features like ‘clean rooms,’ the new laboratory supports UD’s mission to be recognized as one of the world’s top research universities.”
Science and Technology Campus
Bloom Energy announced plans to build a new, high-tech manufacturing facility on UD’s Science and Technology Campus, where demolition and reconstruction work continues on the site of the former Chrysler auto assembly plant. Demolition will be completed by the end of the year.
East Campus residence halls
Construction is slated to begin in November on an East Campus residential project that will include two buildings with 710 beds. Designed more in the Georgian style of UD’s Central Campus residence halls, the buildings will eventually be complemented by a new dining hall and a renovated Harrington complex.
“There will not be any more total beds on campus when the projects are completed," Singleton said, adding, "This is the culmination of a long-standing plan to modernize housing facilities that also included the Independence complex on Laird Campus.”
Student recreation and club sports
A 54,000-square-foot addition to the Bob Carpenter Center will help meet student recreational needs while also serving as a practice area for the Blue Hens men’s and women's basketball teams and the women's volleyball team. Completion is slated for November.
Also, plans are being finalized for an addition to the Carpenter Sports Building. Construction is expected to begin next year, with completion scheduled for summer 2013. It is expected renovations to the large gym will be completed this month.
“The Carpenter Sports Building addition, funded by student fees, will include a new entrance and lobby, with facilities for exercise equipment and a new track,” Singleton said. “The building is being expanded to meet student requests for more recreation spaces.”
Solar energy project
Summer also saw the power turned on at the roof of the Delaware Field House -- the largest single rooftop installation of solar panels in the state -- as part of the solar energy projected partnered with Standard Solar, Inc.
Updates and renovations
Renovations plans have been firmed up for Alison Hall East, with work beginning in January 2012 and completion expected in the summer of 2013. Most current occupants will be moved to temporary quarters in the space formerly occupied by the old UD Bookstore in the Perkins Student Center.
New fan coil units and other HVAC renovations were begun or completed at several locations, including Ewing Hall, the Ray Street Complex, Mitchell Hall, Drake Laboratory, Thompson Hall and Lane Hall.
Delaware Stadium renovations recently completed include the widening of aisles, installation of handrails and concrete refurbishing in the east stands.
“These projects have been in the works for some time, including the East Campus residential projects, which represent the final stage of a master plan that included Laird and Central campus residence hall upgrades and new construction,” Singleton said. “Most of these construction projects are funded through bonds and the generous giving of UD donors.”
Article by Jerry Rhodes