University Center construction continues on schedule
Released: October 4, 2006
Beginning the fifth week of classes, construction on the James R. Connor University Center at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater continues to advance on schedule. Findorff of Madison is the general contractor for the project and is beginning to implement the second 60-day schedule for construction.
"We worked deliberately with the contractors to make sure the west walkway and the walkway around Heide Hall were complete before the start of school, so as to make things easier for students," Steve Summers, deputy assistant chancellor of student affairs, said.
Several maps are located throughout campus directing students and visitors around the construction area. For the west walkway, the base of the sidewalk begins behind Baker Hall, near the north entrance to the old University Center. The path continues up the hill and joins the sidewalk at the second floor west entrance of the University Center.
"We are making great progress and students are adapting well to the changes taking place on campus. In addition, we are working hard to keep students in the know with signage, brochures and updates on our Web page," commented Kim Adams, student services project manager for the University Center.
With the University Center offline, UW-Whitewater's food service provider, Chartwells, has been actively working on satellite food locations to provide students and staff with alternative dining options. Various satellite locations are dispersed throughout campus, including Food for Thought, located on the first floor of the Anderson Library, Carlson Cafe, located on the second floor of the Carlson Business Building, CAfe, located in the Greenhill Center of the Arts atrium, and Upham Cafe, located in the main lobby of Upham Hall. Each location offers fresh and pre-packaged sandwiches, soups, salads, gourmet bread, bottled soda and other beverages, and other sweet treats.
Most of the services formerly located in the University Center have been relocated. The Leadership Center, Multicultural Education Center and the UW Credit Union are among the many services relocated in Drumlin Hall. Whitewater Student Government and Dean of Student Life have relocated to Goodhue Hall.
"We are right on schedule. The project is out of the ground and you can see forms out of the east and west side, which will be the back build of the new University Center. This week we began grooming the Down Under and removing excess debris. The original goal was to recycle 75 percent of the old building and we are coming very close to that," Summers said.
Scheduled for completion in January 2008, the new University Center will feature several new amenities. The new University Center will have an expanded art gallery, outdoor gathering spaces, state-of-the-art meeting rooms, study spaces and more.
Questions regarding the University Center Building Project should be directed to Summers at summerss@uww.edu or (262) 472-1172. Additional information can also be found at the UC Building Project Web site at http://uc.uww.edu/building_project/.- Patti Schenker,schenkerpl07@uww.edu
