Summer construction gears up

Blair Brennan, CSC facilities coordinator, said bids are being sought for the project and expects the improved lot to be finished early this fall. He said much of the demolition work of the old lot has already been completed, thanks to damage from the heavy equipment used to raze the Kline Center.

Similar to other parking lots that have been improved at CSC in recent years, Brennan said the new construction will incorporate islands for plantings. It also will integrate designated lanes for buses and other vehicles to drop off passengers.

Brennan said the current green space of the amphitheater south of Kline will be preserved, although the new lot will expand to the area vacated by the building. Although funding has not been identified, college officials hope to improve the amphitheater in coming years with the construction of a band shell and landscaping. Brennan said contractors will use this summer’s parking lot removal as an opportunity to run electrical lines to the area to serve any future demands.

Construction workers also are nearing completion on a pair of improvements to the Dean’s Green that are helping commemorate this year’s centennial – the flag plaza and the new entry portal at the corner of 10^th and Main streets. When construction is complete, landscaping features will be added to adorn the area. College officials also have been shopping for digital signage to place on the new entrance.

Contractors also are busy replacing 220 windows in the High Rise Residence Hall. In addition to higher efficiency, Brennan said the new double-paned windows will be less susceptible to wind damage. They slide rather than “crank out.”

High Rise also is receiving a new fire alarm system. The new system will sense both smoke and heat, and will be lighted to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. It also will have features to help college officials pinpoint the location of an activated line of sprinklers in a hurry.

Dale Grant, CSC vice president for administration, said the two High Rise projects will cost about $590,000 and will be paid for with revenue bond funds. The cost of the parking lot will not be known until a bid is accepted, but Grant said the project will tap a variety of funding sources.

On top of those improvements, Brennan has a list of more than four dozen smaller projects for the summer.

“Summer is always a busy time for us as we try to get things ready for the return of students in the fall,” he said. “This is all in addition to the day-to-day stuff.”