Facilities projects progress update

Welcome back to campus for the 2016–2017 academic year! Every year during the summer months Facilities Planning and Management works hard to complete key construction and repair projects in time for the beginning of the academic year. Many of these initiatives are part of the regular capital improvement budget, while others are made possible through gifts or grants. In each and every case, we take seriously our commitment to be good stewards of the resources entrusted to us. Below is a list the activities you may notice as we begin a new academic year.
Work is completed or nearing completion on the following projects:

  • New roof on Cowles Library
  • New roof on Goodwin-Kirk
  • New furniture and gutters on the Cultural Houses
  • New hot water heater for Ross and Jewett Residence Halls
  • New card access on Cartwright Hall, Cowles Library and west doors at Fine Arts Center
  • Upgrade to Jewett Residence Hall fire alarms
  • Replacement of two of the makeup air units on Goodwin-Kirk Residence Hall
  • Replacement of sliding glass door on main level of Goodwin Kirk Residence Hall
  • Replacement of air conditioning unit in Dial Center
  • University Bookstore moving to the Olmsted Center
  • New carpeting and furniture in the Olmsted Center
  • Replacement of the carpet on the 4th Floor of Goodwin-Kirk
  • New sewer line into Harvey Ingham
  • Handrail repair and painting of exterior of Ross Hall
  • Carpet replacement in Fine Arts Center
  • Waterproofing on lower level of Crawford Residence Hall
  • Waterproofing on lower level of Herriot Residence Hall
  • Restroom renovation at Medbury Hall
  • Replacement of the Exterior Doors at Aliber Hall
  • Concrete replacement various locations of the campus
  • New Law School Student Activities Suite in lower level of Opperman
  • New windows on south side of Cowles Library
  • New offices located in Fine Arts, Old Main and Cline Hall
  • New video board in Drake Stadium
  • New track in Drake Stadium
  • New football field Drake Stadium
  • New Bright Beckwith Boathouse located in Prospect Park
  • Installation of two electric car charging stations in the Olmsted Center parking lot and the parking lot to the north of the Operman Law Library

Projects coming in the near future:

  • New chiller for East Loop of campus
  • House lighting controls at Shelsow Auditorium and the Performing Arts Hall
  • Replacement of electrical switch at Fine Arts Center
  • Replacement of the stair treads at Howard Hall
  • New roof at the Legal Clinic

Even though this list seems extensive, there is always a great deal of work and maintenance that needs to occur. Each year we update a comprehensive deferred maintenance and repair list and share it with key leaders and departments across campus. This process helps us prepare for the planning the following summer’s work. A special thank you to all the Facilities Planning and Management team members who helped complete these projects.

—Jolene Schmidt, Director of Operations and Support Services