WHAT'S NEW WITH WOLD
Benjamin Engle
Issue date: 5/28/09 Section: News
According to Dean Klein, the overall project, which is scheduled to finish in winter 2011, is approximately two weeks behind schedule. However, according to Klein being behind is nothing to worry about.
"With a project of this size, being a few weeks behind the original schedule is fine," Klein said.
During the past few months, architects (Einhorn, Yaffee, Prescott) have been finalizing plans for the building. Klein stated that the project is within budget that has been set with the architects, though that was not always the case.
"Early in the process, we weren't on budget," Klein said. "We had to make compromises, though none were programmatic and we didn't lose any square footage. Since the original plans, the architects took away some windows to lower costs."
However, the design committee and architects are still committed to designing the building to achieve LEED Gold status from the U.S. Green Building Council.
"We are continuing to expand the use of alternative energy in the building," Klein explained.
Klein expects finalization of sustainability plans in the near future, though according to the Wold Construction website, the building will include metering equipment for electric, chilled water and steam, waterless urinals and dual flush water closets, the use of materials that will reduce the quantity of indoor air contaminants that are odorous and harmful to occupants, as well as other environmentally friendly initatives.
While the architects are still working on the final drawings for the Center, the bidding phases are underway.
"There are three bidding phases," explained Klein. "The first phase was utilities and relocation, which already happened. We are about to open the bidding for the foundation and steel contract and the building construction call for bids will take place in the middle of the summer."
Major work with utilities and relocation of utilities will begin between ReUnion weekend and Commencement. In addition, the foundation for the Wold Center is scheduled to be complete by January 1, 2010.
While construction will end daily around 3 p.m., Klein ensures that the disruption to classes will be minimized.
"We are working with contractors to make sure construction sounds will be kept to a minimum during exam weeks," Klein said.
Updates and more information about the construction process can be found at http://www.union.edu/Campus/wold/index.php
"With a project of this size, being a few weeks behind the original schedule is fine," Klein said.
During the past few months, architects (Einhorn, Yaffee, Prescott) have been finalizing plans for the building. Klein stated that the project is within budget that has been set with the architects, though that was not always the case.
"Early in the process, we weren't on budget," Klein said. "We had to make compromises, though none were programmatic and we didn't lose any square footage. Since the original plans, the architects took away some windows to lower costs."
However, the design committee and architects are still committed to designing the building to achieve LEED Gold status from the U.S. Green Building Council.
"We are continuing to expand the use of alternative energy in the building," Klein explained.
Klein expects finalization of sustainability plans in the near future, though according to the Wold Construction website, the building will include metering equipment for electric, chilled water and steam, waterless urinals and dual flush water closets, the use of materials that will reduce the quantity of indoor air contaminants that are odorous and harmful to occupants, as well as other environmentally friendly initatives.
While the architects are still working on the final drawings for the Center, the bidding phases are underway.
"There are three bidding phases," explained Klein. "The first phase was utilities and relocation, which already happened. We are about to open the bidding for the foundation and steel contract and the building construction call for bids will take place in the middle of the summer."
Major work with utilities and relocation of utilities will begin between ReUnion weekend and Commencement. In addition, the foundation for the Wold Center is scheduled to be complete by January 1, 2010.
While construction will end daily around 3 p.m., Klein ensures that the disruption to classes will be minimized.
"We are working with contractors to make sure construction sounds will be kept to a minimum during exam weeks," Klein said.
Updates and more information about the construction process can be found at http://www.union.edu/Campus/wold/index.php
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