Doudna Update

12.07.2007

All areas of the project have started the "finishes" phase.  Each area is in a different level of completion.

Area A & B - Work in these areas have slowed due to the FF&E audio installation work which involves a large amount of steel conduits to be installed from the various performance venues to the Recording Studio in the Lower Level of Area A.  The Heating and Ventilation Contractors are working to bring the air handlers on line so that the buildings will become conditioned to permit installation of wood finishes such as doors, cabinetry, wall panels.  Ceilings, light fixtures, trim devices, etc. have been installed.  Painting is complete throughout the spaces. Floor finishes are scheduled in conjunction with the work in the rest of the building.

Delivery for the decorative glass wall panels for the Main Concourse is scheduled for the 13th of December.  Review and approval of the red glass mock-up has been done.  Substrate framing for the glass is being done.

Area C - Work in this area includes final painting, setting cabinetry, preparing floors for staining and sealing.  Light fixtures and ceiling grids have been installed.  Student lockers and metal casework are being installed.  Second floor has a large portion of the floors stained.

Area D - Finish work in this area includes painting, window installation, door frames, and some casework in the classrooms.  Contractor has started staining floors on the second level of the office areas.

Concourse - Copper roofing work has progressed from the east side to the south side of the building.  This is slow work since the majority of the work has to be performed from a power lift and the height of the exterior walls. The colder weather is also a factor.  Framework for the glass curtain wall on the north side of the Concourse is being installed and glass panels have been placed in the frames on the south side.

Site - Exterior work includes installation of concrete surfaces in the Sculpture Yard and Kiln Yards.  Hayes has the concrete turn around completed and asphalt paving in place.  Work on 7th Street involves repair of concrete curbs and installation of the concrete and asphalt.  Grading work has occurred on the west side of the building.  Detention basins have been installed.  As required by Law, these basins will hold water back for a short period during heavy rainfalls and will be released at a slower rate to allow the downstream storm system to handle water better.  The basins will be dry the majority of the time.

As a part of the high voltage electrical upgrade for Campus, work is being phased around the Fine Arts area.  Currently, a portion of this work is being installed along the north side of Theater.  In the next few days, this work will move to the west side of the project.  This work is being done now, with cooperation of the Fine Arts Project, so that when all of the exterior work for Fine Arts is completed, it will not have to be disturbed again for the Electrical work.

09.15.2007

Areas A, B & C are in the finishes stage of completion.  Work that is being performed is ceiling installations, light fixtures, wall paint, floor cleaning, staining and sealing.  The red glass and mirrored glass have been delayed due to construction issues but are now anticipated for delivery next week. Mechanical systems are being prepared for start-up.  Once started and the spaces are conditioned, the wood finishes can begin.  This will include doors, wall panels, ceiling panels, and cabinetry.

Area D - Work continues in this area with MEP rough-ins, drywall installation, painting, etc.  Theater rigging and lighting bars has been installed in the main stage area and in Black Box.

Concourse - Work in continuing with the installation of the glass wall systems.  Glass has been installed in a majority of the frame spaces.  Entrance doors have been defined and is in the process of being installed.  Glass curtain wall on the north exposure is to be delivered next week and installation of that system is to begin.

Site Work - Concrete work on Hayes turn around has been completed and asphalt paving has been installed.  Work on 7th St. south of Hayes is in progress with the installation of concrete curbs and gutters, with roll-over curbs at drive/delivery points to the east side of Fine Arts.  Site grading along the east side of Dvorak and the Art Wing has been started.  Light fixtures along the pathway between Fine Arts and the Life Science Complex are being installed with the lamp bases and underground electrical work having been completed.  Work on the west of Fine Arts include grading, concrete walks, and cleanup.  Work on the north side of the Theater area has the detention pond for storm drainage control in place and some top soil has been delivered to the interior court yard area on the north side of the concourse.

08.24.2007

Area A & B - Finishes continue in these areas.  There is a lot of work remaining in the mechanical rooms getting the systems ready to bring on line.  Ceiling panels, light fixtures, wall fixtures, trim have been installed.  Ready for floor coverings and finishes.  Concrete steps on west side of B are being installed.  It is anticipated that a sample of the red glass for the Red Zone or Red House will be installed next week for approval.  The Dean's suite has the frosted glazing installed in all office spaces and in the Conference Room.

Area C - Finish work continues in this area as well.  Final coats of paint, hanging lighting fixtures, pulling electrical wiring, etc. work in progress.  Work continues in the mechanical spaces with steam and chilled water piping, prepping the chiller, and making connections to the systems.  New elevator are currently being installed.

Area D - Copper roofing work in progress.  Structural steel decking has been installed on east and south sides.  Nailable deck insulation and vapor barrier are being installed on the Concourse roof, working towards the Theater area.  Copper siding has been installed on the west side of the Theater building, located in the Performance Courtyard.  Drywall is being installed on the ceiling of the audience chamber of the Theater and taping and compound work is in progress.  Drywall has been installed on each side of the audience seating area, at the upper portions of the space. Electricians are pulling wire for lighting and audio systems. Stage rigging is being installed.  Lighting grid has been installed.  Work on lighting battens in the catwalk area of the Black Box is in progress.  Mechanical work continues in the machine rooms.  Work started on installation of the elevator.

Concourse - Aluminum window frames are being installed on the south facing exterior walls.  Roofing work continues in this area.

Exterior work - Hayes Street curb and guttering is being installed along the north side and the circle for the turn around.  Soil that has been built up from the construction process will be removed to the original street level height prior to paving.  Clean up around the building is also continuing with work having started on the west side.  The new parking lot and the alley have been paved and are now open for use.

08.02.2007

Area A - Work continues with the finishes; painting work, glass installation, lighting fixtures, and general cleanup.  Work in the Recital Hall includes the installation of the acoustical clouds over the audience area.  Materials have been placed in the Band Rehearsal Room in preparation to install the finish wall around the perimeter of the space.

Area B - Installing ceiling grid, lighting fixtures, painting, and clean up throughout the space.  Work in Dvorak Hall has the stage shell framed and the rooms below the mezzanine framed.

Area C - Work continues here in painting out the drywall and making the last installations of gypsum board, taping and sanding.

Area D - Work in the Theater area is continuing with metal studs being installed at the rear of the audience chamber that will separate the access aisle from the seating.  Metal Studs and drywall have been installed at the second level above the seating - tape, compound, and sanding work in progress.  Electricians installing the lighting grid power system above the stage floor.  Wall surface has been installed in the Scene Shop. Copper roofing work continues on the roof of Theater.

Concourse - Metal decking being welded into place. Preparations for installing the insulated deck material prior to installing the copper roofing materials are in progress.

Site - Concrete curb and gutter work in progress on Hayes in front of the Theater.  Current progress has the radius of the turn around about two-thirds in place.  Work in progress in the alley on the east side of the Theater, prepping for the asphalt surface which should be installed by the end of this week.

05.21.2007

Area A & B  - Finish work continuing in these areas.  Miscellaneous framing and drywall work being completed and finishing up on electrical rough-ins.  Skylight work has started over the A/B link on the west side.

Area C - Rough-ins of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing continues in this area.  Drywall is being hung in the south portions.  Masons are working on the cooling tower walls.  Painting work is following drywall work.

Area D - Rough-ins continue in this area.  Drywall is being installed on both the ground and second levels.  Metal roof deck is being installed on the upper roof of the Theater.

Area D Concourse - Steel workers are finishing their detail work on connections.

Site - General clean up operations is being done around the building.  Work in starting for the finish grades, walks, and drives.

05.02.2007

Area A & B - More finish materials in way of painting, ceiling grids, doors and windows are being installed.

Area C -  Masons are working on the south side of the building to construct the level for the cooling tower adjacent to the kiln yard.  Kiln stacks installed and secured. Wall finishes are in progress throughout with the Sculpture Studio receiving plywood finishes, class rooms have gypsum board installed, and door and window frames have been installed.

Area D - Drywall work has started on the second level and is still being installed on the first level class room and office spaces.  Roof deck is being installed on the tent framing over the stage box.

Site - Clean up efforts are underway to clean the construction debris from around the building and site.  Walks and finish grading work will be starting as weather permits.

04.24.2007

Area A - Interior finish work continues on through out the entire area. Ceramic tile has been installed on restroom walls.

Area B - Skylights are being installed in the A/B Link.  Drywall work continues  and some painting is being applied.  Ceramic tile has been installed on restroom walls.  Painting is continuing in Dvorak which now has black walls and ceilings in the stage area.

Area C - Mechanical/Electrical rough-ins continue in various locations of this area.  Drywall is being installed in all available spaces as they become ready.

Area D - Mechanical/Electrical rough-ins continue.  Roof tent framing is being finished up and sheathing is expected to begin in a few days, weather permitting.  Some areas on the second level have drywall installed.  Preparation for the concrete drive into the dock area is underway.  Reinforcing has been placed and readied for the first section pour.

Area D Concourse - Structural steel work is about finished with the detail work on the fasteners - bolted and welded.

Site - With the good weather of the past couple of days, the ground is beginning to dry and allow access to more of the site.  This will allow more cleanup and ground prep for finishes.

02.22.2007

Area A & B - Work continues on getting finishes in these areas.  Drywall is being installed and joint compound is being placed on the joints.

Area C - Work continues on the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing rough-ins.  Metal studs have been installed throughout the space.  Stairs have been set in the south stairwell.

Area D - Work continues in this area with mechanical, electrical, and plumbing rough-ins.

Area D Concourse - Because of the weather, no further work has occurred in this area.  Structural steel has been set on the exterior walls of the Concourse and a portion of the floor slab remains to be installed.

01.19.2007

Working on getting Areas A & B ready for the finishes where the mechanical piping, electrical conduits, and ductwork pass through floors and walls. Drywall is being installed in areas where possible.

Area C - Work in this area has progressed to include the enclosure of the exterior walls on the south and east sides of the building which were the last areas to be constructed.  Interior floor slabs have been completed and work in this area includes mechanical, electrical, and plumbing rough-ins and masonry walls being laid up.  Roofing work continues as the weather permits.

Area D - Framing work on the upper stage box continues with the metal stud structure becoming more visible. The last of the structural steel for this area is being installed this week which will allow the metal framing on the east side to start.  MEP rough-ins continue throughout Area D.  Catwalks have been installed in the Black Box space.  The concrete stage floor has been poured.  All seating risers in the Audience Chamber have been completed and the floor framing for the rear control booths has been set.

Concourse - The main entry concourse which crosses 7th Street now has the structural framing set on both the north and south wall lines defining the Theatre Lobby area and identifying the unique features of the design for this area.

12.22.2006

Area A & B - Work is continuing with the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing rough-ins and as well as sealing the voids in walls and floors for fire protection. Spaces that have been checked and approved are now being readied for finishes. Drywall installation is going on in a number of locations.

Area C - MEP rough-ins continue. Metal stud framing and exterior sheathing is being installed at the perimeter of the spaces. Current work is being done on the south walls. Masonry work is being on the exteriors as weather permits and is being installed in the interiors.

Area D - The stage floor has been poured. Duct work, electrical wiring, plumbing, fire protection, and heating work continues at all levels of the Theatre. Metal framing for the copper roofing is being installed over the stage box as weather permits.

Concourse D - Structural framing is being installed on the east side of the Concourse. Heavy structural trusses are being installed at various angles and this space is beginning to show it's shape.

Contractor is getting the temporary heating devices in place and will begin heating the interior spaces over the Christmas Break.

12.06.2006

Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing work continues throughout the complex. All areas of the building are involved with rough-ins for each of the trades.

Area A & B - Work continues on the interiors to apply finish materials. Drywall is being installed in all areas that MEP work has been completed. Copper wall finishes has been installed over the majority of the surfaces. The sloped roof that projects over the walk now has the copper on the fascia and soffit/ceiling of the overhang.

Area C - The major activities in this area are the roofing, exterior wall framing/sheathing, and MEP rough-ins. Masons are installing walls in various locations of Area C. The Art Studio, across from the Library, has the copper finishes installed back to the entrance of the building.

Area D - Framing for the copper roof is being installed over the stage loft area which will be the highest part of the building. It is expected that the copper installation will not begin on this roof until spring. There is considerable amount of framing and sheathing work to be done and with the cold conditions, copper work will be a couple of months away.

Concourse D - Structural framing is being set in this area and the Main Entrance/Concourse is beginning to take shape. Approximately one half of the steel has been set. The remaining steel has been delivered and staged on site adjacent to the Concourse.

11.22.2006

Area A - MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing) work is continuing in all areas. Contractors are working to close up all holes around ducts and piping that penetrate floors, walls, and ceilings. Corridor ceilings in the lower level have been painted and walls in corridors and some existing storage spaces have been painted.

Area B - MEP work continues throughout this area. Metal stud wall framing have been installed and rough-ins are in progress ahead of beginning drywall work.

Area C - Concrete flooring has been completed on the second level. MEP rough-ins are in progress throughout area. Roofing work is in progress. Masonry is being laid up on the ground level creating corridors along the Wood/Sculpture area.

Area D - MEP work is continuing throughout the space. Masons are completing the walls above the stage and the metal framing for the tent roof over the stage box is in progress. Forms and reinforcing are being installed in the stage area for the front part of the stage. Concrete floors for the audience chamber (seating risers) have been poured.

Concourse D - Structural steel for the remain portion of the Concourse has been delivered. Set up for erecting the steel has begun.

Exterior work includes continuing work on the copper siding on the west side and masonry stain on the existing brick of Dvorak Hall has started. The staining work will continue until it has to stop due to the weather.

11.02.2006

All areas of the project are involved with the mechanical, electrical, plumbing (MEP) rough-ins.

Area A - Work continues to complete the MEP rough-ins in preparation for the interior finishes. Ceiling painting work has started in the corridors. Drywall materials have been installed in various locations in preparation for the finish wall surfaces.

Area B - Same remarks as Area A.

Area C - Steel structure is being installed in the remaining areas across the south end of the building. This was left out in order to get the crane back to the stair and install the precast concrete wall panels. Under floor MEP is being completed and backfill work is under way. Floor areas are being readied for concrete in these remaining areas. Metal stud walls have been installed throughout the first and second levels. Rough-ins being expanded to the south.

Area D - Work in the Theatre area is continuing as in the other areas of the building. Metal stud walls have been installed on both levels. Masonry work continues on the audience chamber. Cat walks have been installed over the stage area and audience chamber. The concrete for the last three risers for seating is being completed at the rear of the audience chamber.

Concourse D - This area is the connecting link between Area A and Area D (7th St. crossing). Under floor rough-ins have been completed and the area is about ready for the concrete slab with the vapor barrier and wire mesh reinforcing in place.

The contractor is closing up the building with temporary partitions, doors, windows, etc. getting ready for the colder temperatures and providing heat for work through the winter months.

09.27.2006

Area A - Continuing to work on the mechanical, electrical, plumbing (MEP) rough-ins in preparation of interior finishes.  Forming and pouring exterior concrete at entrances.  Getting the floor in Music Rehearsal ready for the acoustic concrete floor installation.

Area B - Continuing to work on the mechanical, electrical, plumbing (MEP) rough-ins in preparation of interior finishes.  Forming and pouring exterior concrete at entrances. Work in Dvorak picking up.

Area C - MEP work expanding on all levels as this portion of the building increases in size.  Contractors working on setting the precast concrete panels at the stair towers.  Installation of under slab rough-ins continue at the southeast corner of the building, backfill and base being installed and compacted getting ready for the concrete slab pour.  Structural steel about ready to start.  Elevator hydraulic cylinder casing being installed.

Area D - MEP work continues at all levels.  Masons continuing to lay up block around the Theater box.  Footings and foundations are being installed around the west performance area (Black Box) and backfilling for slab. Elevator hydraulic casing installed.

Concourse D - This is the glass entry that crosses 7th St.  Foundations have been poured, making connection to the Theater portion of the Concourse.

The existing brick on Area A and B has been cleaned.  Staining work will be starting soon.

09.13.2006

Area A - MEP work continues.  Contractors are trying to complete above-ceiling installations so that interior finishes can begin.  Punch lists have been developed by CORE and the other trades are working to complete.

 Area B - MEP work continues.  Contractors are trying to complete above-ceiling installations so that interior finishes can begin.  Punch lists have been developed by CORE and the other trades are working to complete. Dvorak Hall has the most work remaining to be done due to some conflicts with mechanical items and acoustical issues.  Architect is working to resolve these problems.

A/B Link - Main Concourse - Metal framing has been completed and plywood substrate is about 90 per cent complete.  Fire proof painting is being applied to the structural system through this area.

Area C - More concrete floors have been poured and more areas have been prepared to be poured.  Remaining foundations and structural steel framing is waiting for delivery of precast panels for the south stair exterior finish.  These panels are scheduled for delivery on Friday.  Once these panels have been installed, the remaining foundations, floor slabs, and structural steel will be installed.  Mechanical work continues in the lower levels.

Area D - Mechanical work continues in the lower levels.  Masonry work continues in the theater area.  The curved hallway wall continues to be laid up.

The Main Entrance crossing 7th St. - Footing and foundations are being formed and poured along the south wall.  The north wall is scheduled to begin soon and once installed, the main steel framing will be erected and the shape of the Entrance will begin to take shape.

09.05.2006
Area A - Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) work continues. Major sections of ductwork is being installed in the Recital Hall, over the stage. Contractors working towards the above ceiling punch list which is the inspection prior to beginning installation of the ceilings.

Area B - Metal framing for the glass walls has been installed in the Lounge area from Lower Level to the roof. Current work includes installation of plywood backer for the glass which is about seventy per cent complete. Metal framing for glass wall finishes at Dvorak Hall is in progress. Excavations for the footings has started for the connection between Area A and Area D. This area will be the glass entrance area crossing 7th St. Work continues in B to complete all rough-in work prior to starting the interior finishes at the ceilings.

Area C - Concrete floors, metal decking, and finishing up the structural steel work continues. The final portion of setting steel at the southeast corner of the building will begin once the precast concrete panels are set on the south stair tower. This path is the only access for the large crane to get to the stair. Work continues in the mechanical spaces in the lower level installing chilled water and steam piping, electrical conduits, and plumbing materials.

Area D - Masons continue to work on the exterior wall finishes on the north wall and has started on the west wall of Theater. Masons are also working on the curved corridor wall at the rear of the audience seating area. Metal studding for interior walls on the first floor has been installed and concrete flooring is being completed at the second level. Work continues at the truck dock on the east side.

08.29.2006
Area A and B – Getting ready to do mechanical punch lists for above ceiling and in walls.  This will permit the start of interior finishes. MEP work (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing) continues throughout.  Drywall being installed at ground floor restrooms and along corridor walls that do not have MEP’s.  Work is progressing at the A/B link in the main concourse area with metal studs being installed that will become the colored glass walls in the Red Zone. Concrete steps are being poured on the west side where the earth berm is against the building.

Area C – Foundations complete in the southeast corner. Backfill work in progress to bring sub grade up to bottom of slab level.  Exterior metal studs and sheathing is being installed on the west sides of the building.  Concrete slabs have been poured on the second level.  Mechanical Electrical and plumbing work continues in the lower level mechanical room and beginning to progress up to the upper levels.

Area D – Masons continue to lay up block at the audience area.  Under floor electrical conduits being installed in the audience chamber area.  Fire Proofing being sprayed onto the structural steel at all levels.  The east retaining wall of the truck dock ramp is being formed and poured.  Mechanical and electrical work continues in the lower level mechanical spaces.  Rough-ins continue on the north side of the main stage on the upper levels.

The web cams have had a problem work properly from FPM’s web site.  We are working to correct the trouble.  Pictures of construction can be seen on FPM’s web site.

08.21.2006
Area A & B - MEP work continues in all locations.  Contractors are trying to prepare for the "above ceiling" punch list that is needed prior to beginning cover-up.  This also includes the walls that need to be inspected prior to drywall being installed.  Some areas in New B have drywall installed.

Area C - Footing and foundation walls are being completed at the southeast corner.  More steel has been set and metal floor decking has been placed.  Mechanical work continues in the lower mechanical levels.

Area D - Foundation work at the west side of Theater is progressing under the Movement Studio and the Theater Studio.  Mechanical work continues in the lower level mechanical space.

The roof of the north utility tunnel has been completed.  Piping to be installed in the tunnel has been positioned inside, ready to be installed.

Photos and access to the web cam can be found on Facilities Planning & Management web site.

08.03.2006
Area A - MEP work continues throughout the building.

Area B - MEP work continues throughout the building.

Area C - Structural steel work continuing.  Majority of all steel at the north portion of the area has been set and crews are making final connections.  Work in the mechanical room on the west side continues with crews setting up the steam and chilled water piping and extending piping to various parts of the building. Concrete floors are scheduled to be poured this week.  Steel beams that were stockpiled within the space of Area C has been relocated to permit the foundations and footings work to continue southeastward.

Area D - MEP work in the lower levels continues.  Masons are installing the exterior veneer on the north wall and continuing to lay up block at the audience chamber.  Foundation walls for the Black Box has been installed along with the foundation for the exterior stair on the west side of the Black Box. 

Utility Tunnel - All walls of the utility tunnel between Area A Lecture Hall and Area D Black Box have been installed.  The majority of the roof of the tunnel has been installed with about 30 feet remaining to be poured.  This opening will permit the Heating Contractor to place pipe and materials in the tunnel prior to closing it up.  The water main in 7th has been capped off and is now routed to the east and down the alley. Backfill around the tunnel and Black Box foundations has started and placement of the fill materials below the outdoor performance area and the connecting concourse is in progress.

07.26.2006

Area A - MEP work continues throughout.  Duct work about complete in Lecture Hall.

Area B - MEP work continues throughout.  Masons laying up block on the exterior stairs and on the south end of B.

Area C - Structural steel being installed on the north portion of the Area next to B.  Metal floor deck has been installed on the grade level on the north portions.  Concrete floor slab has been poured on the west portion of Area over the mechanical space.  Second level is to be poured this week.  Foundations on the east side has been extended about 30' to the south.  Once steel for the north portion has been installed, the remaining foundation system work can begin.  MEP work is being done in the mechanical spaces and those areas that permit it.

Area D - Concrete slab and foundation detail work is being done at the truck dock area on the northeast corner of the building.  Masons are continuing to lay up block on the north wall of the audience chamber.  Excavations, form work, and reinforcing is being done on the lower level corridor and exterior stair well.  MEP work continues throughout area.

Tunnel work continues as the existing storm sewer line is being changed from vitrified tile to ductile iron as it passes through the tunnel.  Once this work is done, the roof of the tunnel will be poured, leaving a small portion open to allow Heating Contractor to stage piping in the tunnel space for installation.

Photos and access to web cam can be found on FPM's web site.

07.19.2006

Area A - MEP work continues on the interiors of both the old and new portions.  Drywall work for the finish wall system above the acoustical soffit is in progress and duct work rough-ins has been completed in Music Rehearsal.  Duct installation about complete in Lecture Hall.

Area B - MEP work continues on the interiors of both the old and new portions.

Area C - Foundations for column piers and the footings to bring the system from deep into the shallow/grade beam levels.  Structural steel is staged on the ground that will be used for the north portion of Area C as the work progresses eastward.  Concrete floor slab over the west mechanical space will be poured Wednesday at the grade level and the second level will be poured on Friday.

Area D - Masonry work on the audience chamber continues on the north wall and was finished up in the mechanical space on the north side, separating the electrical transformer/switch gear from the air handling space.  Work continues on the audience seating risers as the concrete duct is installed below the seating area.

Utility Tunnel - the North utility tunnel work continues with about 75 per cent of the side walls poured.  Some storm piping  crossing the tunnel in 7th St. has to be changed to ductile iron and this work is waiting for the required fittings to make the transition from concrete to ductile iron.  Remaining portion of foundation walls have been formed and reinforcing is being completed.  The roof of the tunnel is being formed and reinforced as work progresses.

07.12.2006

Area A - MEP work continues in all areas. Drywall work around the acoustical soffit and above is proceeding in Music Rehearsal.

Area B - MEP work is continuing in all areas. Dvorak Hall has the new drywall ceiling over the stage and is being taped.

Area C - Structural steel on the west side over the mechanical space has been installed. Metal floor deck has been installed on the first and second levels. Steel bar joists and metal roof deck have been installed at the roof level.

Area D - MEP rough-ins continue in this area. Exterior wall framing and sheathing on the north face is in progress. The masons has completed the stage box, which topped out at 70 feet six inches. Preparations for the metal framing and roofing structure are underway and material deliveries are being scheduled for this work. Work on the audience chamber seating risers is progressing. Footings and foundations for the remaining portions of the Theater area will be completed as soon as the utility tunnel is in place and the area can be leveled and compacted.

Utility Tunnel - the North Utility Tunnel has been excavated across 7th St. and has approximately one half of the floor and side walls poured in concrete. Work continues in this area. Steam piping that will cross 7th St. and extend to Buzzard is anticipated to begin within the next couple of week.

Web cameras access and photos are available on the FPM web site.

06.28.2006

Area A - MEP work continues in all areas of both the new and existing portions of the building.  Duct work is about complete in Music Rehearsal and metal stud chase walls have been framed to enclose the ducts.  Drywall work in this area has started.  Fireproofing work is complete in the Lecture Hall.  Utility tunnel excavations are extending towards the east and the Theater.  The opening for the tunnel has been made through the east wall of the existing building just north of the Lecture Hall.

Area B - MEP work continues in all areas of both the new and the existing portions of the building. 

Area C - Structural steel framing work continues on the west side of the building.  Metal floor decking has been installed on the ground level floor over the mechanical space.  Structural crews are continuing to erect columns, beams, and bracing as well as continue to make final bolted and welded connections.  Main electrical switch gear and transformers have been placed in the lower level on the east side prior to covering the floors with structure.  Once current steel work concludes, work will begin to place footings and foundations for the remaining portion of Area C, the Art Department.

Area D - MEP work continues here in this building.  Masons have laid up the Stage Box to an approximate height of 60 feet and expect to be topped out by the end of the week.  Under floor fill, reinforcing and preparations to pour the tiered seating in the main audience area of the Theater has started.  Fireproofing materials are being sprayed onto the new structural steel framing system.  Foundations for the Black Box are about half installed.  Utility connections and installations must be completed before the remainder of the footings can be installed.  This work includes the storm line and steam piping that is in this area.  Final extension of the storm line is in place and backfill is in progress.  This section of piping will be below the floor of the Main Entry across 7th St.  Utility tunnel work is being done from the Theater mechanical room towards the Lecture Hall which includes major electrical conduits that will connect Area D to the rest of the complex.  The large mound of dirt that can be seen from the north side of the site is the excavations for the tunnel.

The Utility tunnel excavations, reinforcing, and concrete work continues.  When completed, the remainder of the foundations of the Theater, on the south, and the Main Entry foundations can begin.

06.21.2006

Area A - MEP work on the interior continues in both existing and new portions of the building.  Fire Proofing of structural elements is underway on the second level of the Lecture Hall.  Tunnel excavations have began on the east side of the existing building.  Duct installation has began in Music Rehearsal.  The interior layer of wall framing has started above the acoustic soffit.  Some drywall has been installed at the northeast corner of the space.

Area B - MEP continues in both the new and existing portions of the building.  Four major air ducts serving the new portion of the building has been installed across the corridor from the existing  building along with some electrical conduits.  Drywall ceiling materials have been installed over the stage area of Dvorak.  Approximately one half of the acoustical soffit around the perimeter of the Jazz/Choral Rehearsal space has been installed.

 Area C - Contractor is continuing to set structural steel.  The first floor steel over the mechanical space on the west side has been set and about 2/3 of the steel for the second level has been installed.  Metal decking has been stock piled on the first level to be installed.  Concrete floor work is being done in the mechanical area on the east side of the space as well as the ramp system in the lower level.  Backfilling has started but can not be completed until the structural steel has been securely fastened into place over the west mechanical room.

Area D - Masons are continuing laying block around the stage.  Currently, the walls are up to approximately 50 feet above the ground floor line.  The arc wall at the rear of the audience chamber has been installed.  Backfill work is in progress at the west side of the audience seating area.  Foundations and reinforcing are being installed for the Black Box portion of the building.  Concrete flooring has been poured on the second level of the north section of the building.

06.14.2006

Area A - MEP rough-ins continue throughout the new and existing portions of the building.  Dean's Suite above Lecture Hall has some drywall and sound insulation installed near the ceiling throughout the space in preparation for the duct work installation which started earlier this week.

Area B - MEP rough-ins continue throughout the new and existing portions of the building.  Exterior sheathing and waterproofing materials have been installed on the north and south sides of the Percussion Lab in preparation for the exterior copper wall finishes.

Area C - Foundations for lower levels are about complete. Mechanical equipment - air handlers, steam piping, valves, water piping - is being assembled in the west mechanical space.  Foundation wall on the northeast side are being completed with the final lower level wall being formed at this time.  Structural steel has been delivered to the site and is being installed at this time, beginning at the west side of the mechanical space.  Once this steel has been completed, backfill work around the basement level can be done.

Area D - The concrete floor on the ground level of the north portion of the Theater, above the mechanical space, has been poured.  Excavations for the tunnel began today which will involve crossing 7th Street.  Work will be slow across the street because of existing utilities that are below the surface of the street.  Masons are working on the block walls around the stage area.  Metal framing has started on the north wall of the ground level above the mechanical space.

Construction photos and access to a webcam can be found on the FPM web site.

06.07.2006

Area B - MEP work continues on the interiors of the building, both new and existing.  Masonry veneer work is scheduled to begin in a few days on the west side of the building.  Preparation work for installation of the copper siding materials is being done at the exterior of the Percussion Lab where the roof overhangs the walk.

Area C - Foundation work for the basement on the west side has been completed and 80 per cent of the concrete floor has been poured in the mechanical space.  Components of three air handlers have been set into the mechanical space but assembly will not start until the building is weather tight.  Steam and chilled water piping has been lowered into the mechanical space in preparation for installation.  Backfill work is in progress along the basement walls. This work will begin later.  Work on the foundation walls and floor slab continues on the northeast portion of Area C.  Footings and foundation work continues along the south side of C.  Structural steel for the west portion of C is scheduled for delivery for Thursday and installation will begin shortly thereafter.

Area D - Roof deck has been installed on the north portion of the building.  Floor deck has been installed on the second floor and ground level floor.  Waiting for construction testing on the steel prior to pouring floor slabs.  Back fill work and ventilation air ducts which will be beneath the seating area of the theater is being installed.  Backfill material is being installed around the foundation walls of the seating area.  Fill materials are being prepared for installation between Building A and Building B where the connection concourse will be located.  This material will bring the sub grade up to the required elevation to install the floor slab of the concourse.

Minor problems were reported on the web cam last week and were resolved.  The web cam, as well as construction photos, can be found on the FPM web site.

05.31.2006

Area A - MEP work continues in the existing portions of the building.  Masonry veneer has been completed on the Lecture Hall and MEP rough-ins are in progress in this space.  Band Rehearsal room has been cleared in preparation for the installation of the duct work high overhead.  When completed, the concrete floor system will be installed and interior wall surfaces completed.

Area B - MEP work continues in the existing portions of the building.  MEP rough-ins are in progress and sound insulation and drywall is being installed in the new portion.  Copper roofing is being installed on the roof over the Percussion Lab and sheathing is being installed on the north wall of the Lab in preparation for the copper wall finish.

Area C - Concrete floor slab is in place in the mechanical space and footing and some reinforcing has been installed at the east basement wall opening.  Forms, reinforcing and pouring concrete to complete the basement wall is in progress.  Backfill around the basement will begin when the structural steel has been installed to provide lateral bracing of the walls.

Area D - Structural steel work continues on the north side of the building.  Roof bar joists have been set and roof deck is being installed. First and Second floor steel floor deck has been installed.  Backfill has occurred along the north side of the mechanical space.

Construction photos and access to the web cam can be found on FPM's website.

05.24.2006

Area A - MEP rough-ins continue throughout the building.  Lecture Hall has exterior masonry veneer about completed; metal roof deck installed; framing for the roof parapets completed; metal studs for the office walls in place; and electrical rough-ins in progress.  Music Rehearsal has the interior plies of drywall installed and getting ready to install the duct work and fire protection piping prior to installing the concrete floor.

Area B - MEP rough-ins continue throughout the building.  New ceiling framing is being installed above the stage in Dvorak Hall.  Masonry walls have been completed on the west side of the ground level portion of the new area and metal studs are in place on the second level and drywall and sound insulation is being installed at this time.

Area C - Concrete floor slab is being poured in the mechanical space on the west side of the building and should be completely poured out by the end of the week.  The remainder of the basement wall on the east side of the mechanical space will formed and poured when the floor is completed and access is no longer needed by heavy equipment.  Footings, foundations, and reinforcing is being installed along the south wall line of Building C.  Once the basement wall is poured and backfilled, then more of the footings and concrete slabs will be poured towards the east.

Area D - Masonry walls around the stage area is being installed and is about one third the height that the masonry will be when topped out.  Metal roofing will extend higher to a point about 85' above the ground floor line.  Roof deck is being installed over the Scene Shop at the rear of the stage area.  Structural framing is being erected on the north side above the mechanical space.  Roof joists are being positioned and some metal decking bundles have been placed on them to be installed.  Metal floor deck has been installed on the ground floor level and has been stacked on the second floor framing waiting to be installed.  Backfilling has begun around the orchestra pit and stage foundation walls.

In the next few days, the area between Lecture Hall and the Theater will begin to be filled with soil to form the base structure for the connecting concourse floor.

05.10.2006

Area A - Work in the existing areas consists of MEP rough-ins. Masonry veneer is being laid up on the Lecture Hall. Metal studs partitions are being installed on the second level. Fire Proofing materials have been applied. Band Rehearsal space has the fire proofing materials completed and the drywall work has started again.

Area B - Work in the existing areas consists of MEP rough-ins. Installation of duct work is about to begin in Dvorak Hall. Concrete floor slabs have been poured in the new portion of B and work now consists of MEP rough-ins. Fire proofing has been installed. Exterior sheathing has been installed on the west and south sides of the addition. Roofing work continues.

Area C - Deep excavations for the lower levels has been completed except for the ramped areas at the mechanical room and east side. These ramps are to allow access by the large equipment. Under floor piping is being installed in the mechanical space and under floor fill is being placed and compacted at the B/C link.

Area D - Masonry is being laid up around the stage area. These walls will top out at approximately 70 feet. Footings and foundations are being installed in the audience chamber area. Structural steel has been set on the north side over the mechanical space. This work was slowed due to a wiring fire in the large crane being used to set the steel. A smaller one had to be brought in and had to work around the "dead" unit which slowed progress.

05.03.2006

Area A - Work in the interiors of the existing building is continuing with the MEP rough-ins. Electricians about ready to begin pulling wiring. North area well at the nw mechanical room has been installed and backfilled. Lecture Hall roofing work continues with wood nailers at the perimeter and metal stud and sheathing work about to finish up. The stage flooring at the north end of the Lecture Hall is being formed, reinforced and made ready to pour concrete. Music Rehearsal Room is about ready for the concrete floor system. Fire protection and drywall to be completed next week.

Area B - Work in the interiors of the existing building is progressing with the MEP rough-ins. Slab on grade has been placed in the new portion of B, metal studs and rough-ins continuing on the second level. Fire protection materials being sprayed on structural elements of the building. Roofing work in progress.

Area C - Deep foundation work continuing at the basement wall location along the east side of the mechanical room. Column footings are ready to be installed in the mechanical space. Structural steel has been installed at the nw corner of B which will permit removal of the earth ramp into the lower level and completion of the basement.

Area D - Masonry is being installed at the stage location. The four walls around the stage will be raised as the work progresses to insure structural stability. Structural steel over the mechanical room on the north side has been started. The large crane being used to position the steel has had an electrical fire with the wiring harness and will be out of action for a couple of weeks, slowing steel placement on the north side. Foundations are being installed at the west end of the audience chamber.

04.26.2006

Area A - Work on MEP rough-ins continues in the existing building. Exterior wall framing and sheathing has been completed on the Lecture Hall and masonry is to begin soon.  Band Rehearsal has fire proofing and sound insulation installed.  Some of this work remains to be completed. Masonry on Band Rehearsal has been topped out.

Area B - MEP rough-ins continue on the interior of the existing building.  Under floor plumbing and electrical rough-ins has been completed and concrete slabs have been installed in the new portion of B.  Fire proofing is being sprayed onto the steel framing.  Roofing work has started on the New B.

Area C - Foundation work, wall forming and pouring, stripping forms, etc. continues in the deeper portions of the building.  The west wall of the mechanical room on the west side has been poured and forms are being removed.  Foundations and reinforcing work is progressing on the east side of the basement space.

Area D - Masonry work has started on the stage box.  Scaffolding is being installed to permit the walls to be laid up.  Electrical and mechanical equipment is scheduled for delivery and will be lowered onto the mechanical room floor before the steel framing is installed. Some steel is scheduled for delivery on April 28.

04.19.2006

Last week was a busy week. Antoine Predock, Design Architect on the Fine Arts project came to Campus to review the status of construction.
He was on site late Wednesday morning and early afternoon before heading back to New Mexico.

Building A - MEP rough-ins continue in the existing portions, working at all levels of the building. New work areas have metal framing, sheathing, masonry exterior finishes, and roofing continuing at all areas and levels. Band Rehearsal masonry wall finishes are being completed on the south side by the end of this week. Metal framing work continues on the Lecture Hall.

Area B - MEP rough-ins continue in the existing portions, working at all levels of the building. New work includes completion of the plumbing and electrical rough-ins at the ground level, backfill and concrete slab
being poured. Copper wall finish mock-up was installed last week at
the northwest corner of the Percussion Lab in time for Predock to look at the detail and approve the work.

Area C - Excavations for the mechanical room on the west side has been taken down to subgrade levels in the space. Footings, foundation walls, reinforcing work, and concrete pours have been made at various locations in this are. Excavations across the south side of the existing building have been completed and foundation walls and footings have been installed.

Area D - Forming, reinforcing, and concrete pours have been completed on the west end of the mechanical room. Under floor rough-ins are being completed in preparation for the last piece of floor slab to be installed at the west end. Masons have topped out the masonry on the east exterior wall of the Scene Shop and will move their scaffolding to the stage area and begin laying up the "box" around the Stage. The steel columns and truss the for the proscenium opening framing have been erected and all of this work will be tied together as the masonry walls are raised. These walls are to be topped out approximately 70 feet above the floor.

Last week's storms caused some flooding in the existing buildings and in the lower levels of the new work. The contractor worked to get pumps in place and remove this water in a timely manner so that work could continue without too much disruption; however, mud always slows things down.

04.05.2006

Temporary Walk - The contractors need access to the west side of the project and because of the location of the existing walk, it is not going to be possible to permit the additional space without providing an alternate route for pedestrians. The contractor has installed a temporary walk from the northeast corner of Booth Library to the south Union walk to provide a bypass. This work began on Monday of this week and was opened on Wednesday morning to traffic. It is anticipated that this walk will be in use through the summer months and into the fall.
All students, faculty, and staff are asked to bear with us for this minor inconvenience.

Area A - Interior rough-ins continue in the existing portions of the building. The Lecture Hall has the second floor slab installed and the east balcony concrete has been poured. The first application of gypsum board has been installed on the walls -in the Music Rehearsal room.
Preparation for installing the ceiling sound blankets is underway at this time. Masonry work on the exterior of the building continues with the north and west sides completed and work on the south wall is in progress. Work on the roof installing nailers for the roof edges continues.

Area B - Interior rough-ins continue in the existing portions of the building. The remainder of the second floor deck has been poured in the new section on the west side. Granular fill has been brought into the ground levels area and the plumbing rough-ins have been installed. The space is about ready for the final layer of fill before the slab can be poured. The concrete slab in the Percussion Lab (at the roof overhand) has been poured. Roofing work continues.

Area C - Major excavations along south side of the existing building has been completed and forms for footings and foundations are being installed and concrete is being poured. Preparations are being made to excavate for the basement area.

Area D - Approximately three fourths of the concrete floor slab in the north mechanical room has been poured. Excavations for the footings and foundation walls are underway for the west wall of the basement area.
Forms and reinforcing are being set for the radius wall at the Orchestra Pit. Once poured and backfilled, the mason will start laying up the walls for the stage box.

03.31.2006

The Contractor on the Fine Arts project will begin installation of a temporary walk that will be located approximately 15 feet west of the existing walk that goes between Fine Arts and Booth Library. This will be a concrete walk, 8' wide extending from the northeast corner of Booth to the east/west walk at the south of the Union. This work will begin on Monday and the walk will be open on Wednesday, weather permitting.
The existing walk will remain open until the new walk is in place.

The purpose for this temporary walk is to allow the contractors access to the west side of Fine Arts to perform work such as the masonry walls, roofing installation and aluminum window wall installations, all of which require larger pieces of equipment to place materials up to the higher levels.

03.29.2006

Area A - Work continues on the interior of the existing portion of the
building with MEP rough-ins. Large air handlers have been assembled in
the northwest mechanical room and major portions of duct have been
installed throughout the space. Electrical and plumbing piping are
continuing to be installed. Fire protection piping is also being
installed. New work in Area A include the work on the Lecture Hall on
the east side. This work includes metal roof deck and roofing and the
concrete topping for the second floor systems being installed. The work
on the west side includes masonry block being installed around the Music
Rehearsal room. This block is the finish wall material and will be
stained later in the project.

Area B - Work continues on the interior of the existing portion with MEP
rough-ins which includes duct work, electrical conduits, plumbing, and
fire protection piping. New work on the west side includes the pouring
of the south stair foundation walls, completion of the backfilling along
the west side, metal framing and MEP installations at the upper levels.

Area C - Excavation along the south side of the existing building has
extended to the east side where the lower level access routes will be
located. Excavation for the mechanical room on the west side of Area C
has progressed to the point where the access roadway from the east side
to the west side of the project remains to be removed. Foundations and
footings are being installed in various locations of Area C.

Area D - Under slab rough-ins continue on the north side in the
mechanical space and the contractor will be pouring the first portions
of the floor slab in the next few days. Masonry walls and metal framed
walls have been installed around the Scene Shop area at Rear Stage.
Gypsum sheathing is being installed on the east wall at this time. With
the installation of the stage foundations and slab, the masonry for the
stage enclosure can begin.

Utilities - The majority of the site utilities have been installed.
Connections of the building systems still remain to be completed and
work continues.

03.15.2006

Area A - Work continues in the interior of the existing building with
mechanical and electrical rough-ins. New work includes steel bar joists
being set in place on the roof of the Lecture Hall. Pre-cast structural
slabs have been installed on the second level for the floor system and
the concrete floor slab has been poured on the ground level. We
anticipate that the metal framing for the exterior walls will begin in a
few days. Insulation and drywall has been installed in the Music
Rehearsal Room on the west side. Roofing has been installed. Masonry
blocks are scheduled for delivery on Wednesday for the exterior of the
Rehearsal Room finish.

Area B - Work continues on the interior with MEP rough-ins. New work
includes roof decking and metal stud wall framing on the second level.
Back fill at the Berm area between the north and south exterior stairs
has been completed. Foundations for the new south stair wall has been
installed and forming for the walls has begun.

Area C - Excavations for the basement continues starting from the south
working northward. Excavations for the basement level adjacent to the
existing portion of B has begun.

Area D - Work continues on the basement level of the Theater on the
north end. Plumbing and electrical under slab rough-ins have been
installed on the east end of the basement and preparations are being
made to pour the first portion of the floor slab. Masonry work at the
stage area continues.

Site Utilities - Excavations continue on the storm sewer installation
along the north side of existing Area A. This work should be completed
this week.

03.08.2006

Area A - Work in the existing portions of Area A is continuing with MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing) rough-ins. The second level pre-stressed panel deck has been installed and the ground level slab has been poured at the Lecture Hall. Insulation has been installed in the Music Rehearsal Room and the first pieces of drywall has been installed.
Roofing work on the existing building continues.

Area B - Work in the existing portions of Area B is continuing with MEP rough-ins. Under floor rough-ins and fill materials are being installed in the new areas. Roofing is being installed. Backfill along the west side of the building is being completed. Foundations for the south stair being formed and reinforcing placed.

Area C - Excavations for the lower level basement mechanical room have begun. The excavation on the south end will be a stair connecting the lower, ground, and second levels. Backfill around the existing portions of B/C in being done in preparation for the new work.

Area D - Work on the Theater area continues with the foundations, footings, and reinforcing on the north portion of the building. Under floor plumbing and electrical piping is being installed on the east end. Contractor was installing underfloor compacted fill and getting ready to pour the first portion of the floor slab. Masonry work is continuing at the stage area.

Site Utilities - Storm sewer installation has progressed northward on 7th Street to the north end of the existing Fine Arts building and will turn west and will be extended along the north side.

03.01.2006

Stewart Blakely of Antoine Predock's office visited the site on
Tuesday and was pleased with the progress of the project. He spent
the day discussing various aspects of the work and walking the site.

Area A - The interior work in the existing building continues with the
rough-ins for the mechanical and electrical systems. Spray on fire
proofing has been done throughout the space. Large pieces of air
handling and duct work have been placed in the lower level mechanical
room at the nw corner of the project. Assembly for this equipment will
begin once the interior demolition debris has been removed from the
building. This space is one of the routes through which the rubble is
being removed. New work on Area A continues at the Lecture Hall with
the under floor slab mechanical, electrical, and plumbing rough-ins
prior to the contractor bringing in fill materials and preparing for
the floor slab at the ground level. Structural steel work continues.
Steel has been erected and now the Iron Workers are making the bolted
and welded connections at Lecture Hall. Metal framing and the
sheathing on the west side at the Music Rehearsal room is complete.
Scaffolding is being installed to begin laying up the exterior masonry
wall finishes. Roofing work is being done on this space.

Area B - Interior mechanical and electrical work continues in the
existing spaces. Concrete floor slabs have been poured on the second
level of the new portion. Backfill around various parts of the
building is being done. Work is being concentrated at the south and
west sides of Area B with backfilling operations.

Area C - Work in this area is focusing on getting the northwest area
at B/C link backfilled and getting the steel in that area positioned
so that the contractor can "back out" of the space. This work is
nearly completed and excavations for the new mechanical space along
the west side of Area C will begin soon, beginning at the south and
expanding northward. Excavations have started on the south end of C
east of the area well that has been installed immediately north of the
Life Science Annex. This hole will eventually become a stair well
serving the mechanical room and upper floors. The contractor is
relocating some of the stored materials to make way for the footing
and foundation work.

Area D - Excavations on the north portion of the Theater has been
completed except for the west wall of the mechanical room. Additional
digging is required for the footings. Once the footings have been
formed and poured, the wall will be formed, reinforced, and poured.
Masonry work on the Theater has started and the west Scene Shop wall
has been topped out. Steel bar joists were set into place on Tuesday.
Masonry walls on the north, east, and south sides of the stage area
will begin once the backfill and compaction work is completed to give
the scaffolding a stable base.

Site Utilities - A new storm sewer is being installed northward on 7th
St. that will extend to the north side of the existing Doudna and then
will extend west along the north side to pick up building drainage.
Building sewers and storm piping is being connected to the utilities
located in 7th St.

Construction pictures and webcam access can be found on Facilities
Planning and Management's web site.

02.22.2006

As a reminder, Area A is that portion of the new and existing building
on the north that contains the old theater; Area B contains Dvorak Hall
and the new work to the west; Area C is the new work south of Dvorak
Hall; and Area D is that portion on the east side of 7th St.

Area A - Installation of the mechanical and electrical rough-ins
continue. Large sections of mechanical equipment have been delivered to
the nw mechanical room to become the new air handling units once
assembled. Steam piping being installed along the east side of the
existing building and being prepared to make the turn into the new
utility tunnel crossing 7th St. Work continues on setting structural
steel at the Lecture Hall on the east side of the existing building.
Structural steel is being set to the south of the Lecture Hall for the
roof structure on the main Concourse in the A/B Link. Metal framing
work continues on the west side in the new work.

Area B - Mechanical and electrical rough-ins continue in the existing
portions of the building. Air handling equipment has been set in the
penthouse. Metal framing, decking, concrete slabs, and fill work
continues in the new areas.

Area C - Storm and sanitary sewer piping work has been completed on the
south side of the site. Structural steel columns and beams have been
set at the nw corner of C which will now allow the foundation work to
start for Area C.

Area D - Forms, reinforcing, and concrete work continue on the north
portion of D. Footings and foundation walls are being poured as forms
are made ready. Masonry work is underway on the southeast side of the
Theater area. The wall being laid up at this time is the corridor wall
of the Scene Shop.

02.15.2006

Area A - Structural steel framing on Lecture Hall has been erected and
workers are currently installing fasteners and making welds on the
steel. Metal framing work being installed in the interior of the Music
Rehearsal Room. Mechanical and electrical rough-ins continuing in the
existing building. Masonry walls and metal framed walls are being
installed in the existing portions of the buildings.

Area B - Mechanical and electrical rough-ins continue. Masonry walls
and metal framing being installed.

Area C - Storm and sanitary sewer lines have been installed on the south
side of the new building location. Final connections to the storm
system at the north end of Life Science Annex will occur on Friday,
February 17, which will cause a temporary closure of the north exit
doors. Foundations and structural steel work is about to begin now that
the foundations have been installed at the tunnel location which was
required to be in place before starting major excavations in the area
south of the existing buildings.

Area D - Concrete floor slab for the Scene Shop has been poured, masonry
walls for the corridor between the Stage and Scene Shop are being laid
up. The green framework in this area is scaffolding structure for the
masonry. Excavations, forming, reinforcing, and concrete work ongoing
on the north side of the area, expanding the foundations for the
mechanical room.

Site Utilities - Excavation for the storm sewer along the west side of
7th will begin on Wednesday.

02.08.2006

Area A - Mechanical and electrical rough-ins are continuing. Major sections of duct work has been installed. New air handlers are being installed in the nw mechanical room. New work includes the completion of the foundation system for the Lecture Hall on the east side of the existing building. Plans are to begin erecting the structural steel for the Lecture Hall and more of the main Concourse steel this week. Exterior sheathing on the Music Rehearsal Room on the west side continues, with work on the roof in progress, installing wood nailers getting ready for roofing materials.

Area B - Interior rough-ins continue in the existing portions of the building, similar to Area A. Foundation work at the southwest corner of B is being installed in preparation to expand to the south into Area C.

Area C - Connections to Area B at the northwest corner of B continues. Work in this area has to happen in a sequential manner to permit all heavy equipment access to those areas on the north and west side. Some structural steel will be set next week and more footings/foundations will be installed allowing the contractor to "back out" of the area.

Area D - Excavations, foundations, reinforcing, forming, and concrete work continue on the Theater.

Site Utilities - Current work on site utilities is being done at the south end of the new Fine Arts building near the Green House and "Mouse House". Excavations are expected to begin Wednesday or Thursday to install new storm and sanitary sewer piping along the south side of the new building.

02.01.2006

Area A - Rough-ins continue on the interior of the existing building.
Major duct work, steam & chilled water piping, electrical conduits, masonry walls, metal framed walls and concrete flooring is being installed. Work on the new portion continues with exterior sheathing being installed on the Music Rehearsal Room at the nw corner. Metal decking has been installed on portions of the new roof area. Lecture Hall foundation system is being installed on the east side of the existing building.

Area B - Rough-ins continue on the interior of the existing building.
Major duct work, steam & chilled water piping, electrical conduits, masonry walls, and metal framed walls are being installed. New work includes metal roof deck and welding on the structural steel.

Area C - Excavations for the continuation of the utility tunnel at the west side of the new building continue, with foundation walls being installed, preparing for the start of the excavations for the mechanical room on the lower level, west side. In answer to a number of questions pertaining to the proximity of the new building and the Life Science Annex, that structure that has been put into place is an area well that will provide air to the mechanical room equipment. This well is 10 feet wide (north/south) and is 8 to 9 feet away from the north wall of LSA at the nearest corner. This will be a curb extending above the walk approximately 18 inches. The building wall will be approximately 18 to
19 feet from the Annex.

Area D - Excavations for the mechanical space on the north side of the concrete walls has been nearly completed and forms for footings and foundations are being installed. The basement level is designed to be about 20 feet into the ground.

Construction photos can be found on FPM's web site.

01.19.2006

Area A - Installation of mechanical & electrical rough-ins continues in the existing portion of the building. Major sections of duct work have been installed throughout the area and large sections are being installed in the northwest mechanical equipment room in preparation to the delivery and installation of the air handlers. Masonry walls are being installed on the second level above the nw mechanical room. Steel stud partitions have been installed at the ground level and second level toilets in the center of the existing building. Metal stud and sheathing work in progress on the Band Rehearsal room at the northwest corner of the building. Metal decking and structural steel work continues.

Area B - Installation of mechanical & electrical rough-ins continues in the existing portion of the building. Major sections of duct work have been installed throughout the area. Structural steel and metal deck installation is continuing on the new portions of the building to the west. Workers are welding the steel structure throughout the A/B Link.

Area C - Footing and foundation work continues. Weather has cooperated and is permitting work to proceed but at a slower rate due to the mud.

Area D - Excavations for footing and foundations are proceeding. Work on foundation walls on the south portion of the building in the area of the proscenium theater continues to expand. Excavations have started on the north side of the building which is to be the mechanical room for the Theater.

Utility work in the alley has been completed and the contractor is preparing the alley surface for it's gravel surface. This surface is to be installed this week and will be compacted gravel which will be level with the adjacent surface areas. The final all-weather surface will not be installed for some time due to the weather and construction work involving heavy equipment for work on the east end of the Theater.

01.11.2006

January 2006 started with warm and wet weather. The construction site is muddy and is making it more difficult to move around from one area to another. Work is continuing on foundations and structural elements on Area B, C, & D.

As a reminder, Area A is that portion of the existing building on the north side of the new entrance which included the Main Stage and Black Box performance venues. These areas have now become the Recital Hall, Lecture Hall, offices and classrooms, and Music Rehearsal spaces.

Area B is the area that includes class rooms and Dvorak Concert Hall and offices & class rooms to the west.

Area C is the new construction the is south of Dvorak.

Area D is the Theatre area on the east side of 7th St.

Work in Area A continuing with installation of duct work, electrical conduits, steam & chilled water piping and plumbing in the exiting portion of the building. Masonry partitions are being installed. Metal stud framing has been installed on the exterior walls of the Rehearsal Room. Fire proofing insulation has been installed throughout the area.

Area B has duct work, electrical conduits, steam & chilled water piping plumbing, and masonry being installed throughout this portion of the existing building. Structural steel and metal decking work continuing.
Gravel base materials have been installed and stockpiled on the west portion of the addition.

Area C has work continuing with excavations for foundations and footings. Forms and reinforcing being installed in preparations for pouring concrete.

Area D work continues with excavations for foundations and footings.
Reinforcing, forms, and concrete pours have been expanded to include the areas beneath the new performance area of the Theatre.

12.22.2005

Area A - Installation of mechanical and electrical rough-ins continuing in the existing portion of the building. Spray on fire proofing has been installed in the nw mechanical room. Steel structure and metal deck has been installed on the second level at the south end and east side of the Recital Hall (Old Main Stage). Concrete flooring is scheduled to be installed. Metal studs for the Band Rehearsal space at the nw corner of the new space has started with the installation of the metal tracks for the studs. Masonry work is continuing on the second level at the Studio Offices. Toilet rooms for both the first floor and second floor have plumbing roughed in and wall track for metal studs have been installed giving the space a sense of room arrangement. More of the building has been temporarily partitioned, creating a weather shield for heating the spaces so that interior work can continue.

Area B - Installation of mechanical and electrical rough-ins continuing in the existing portion of the building. Work continues on the structural steel installation, completing the mechanical fasteners in the steel framing and installation of the metal decking materials. More of the building has been temporarily partitioned, creating a weather shield for heating the spaces so that interior work can continue.

Area C - Excavations continue for the footings and foundations for this portion of the building. The area well at the south end has been dug and the form work and steel reinforcing has been installed. When this area well is completed, the remainder of the storm sewer across the north end of Life Science Annex will be completed.

Area D - Work on foundations and reinforcing, form installation, and pouring concrete continues in the Theater area. Excavations for the various parts of the building expand as the work progresses.

Site Utilities across 7th St. into Buzzard have been completed. Work in the alley on the east is scheduled to be completed during Christmas Break.

Construction photos can be found on FPM's web site as well as the construction cameras images.

12.14.2005

Area A - Structural steel, metal decking, concrete flooring, and mechanical rough-ins continuing. Fire proofing in the mechanical room at the nw corner has started with spray-on materials. Temporary heating devices have been installed to allow for interior work to continue. Metal decking has been installed on the balcony level of the Recital Hall and the 2nd level above the nw mechanical room. Auger Piling rig is schedule to arrive on Wednesday of this week and make the final installation of the piling at the Lecture Hall. When completed, foundation work can begin in this area.

Area B - Mechanical and electrical rough-in work continuing. Duct work being installed throughout the area. Electrical conduits and plumbing being installed. Work on the structural steel connections and metal decking continues.

Area C - Excavations for the continuation of the foundations system began at the B/C link where the south tunnel will intersect the building. Foundation walls and footings have been installed and this work will continue to the south. Excavations for the area well at the south end of the building in front of the Life Science Annex has been done and reinforcing is being installed getting ready for the concrete pour for the floor of the area well.

Area D - Excavations have started on the north side of the main corridor which will be the mechanical room. Work continues on the reinforcing and foundation work.

12.07.2005

Area A - Mechanical and electrical rough-ins in the existing building is continuing. Foundations for the Lecture Hall on the east side of the Recital Hall (Old Proscenium Theater) to begin next week. Auger Cast Pilings will be completed with foundations to follow. Masonry work in the interior of the existing building continues, constructing walls, and creating beam bearing pockets for structural steel. Metal roof deck has been installed on the roof of the Band Rehearsal space. Floor decking is being installed on the interior of A at the second level above the nw mechanical room. Spray-on fire proofing will begin next week.

Area B - Preparations for installation of ducts, plumbing, and electrical conduits started. Gravel base for slab on grade is being installed to the west side of the existing building B. Steel decking being installed on roof and floors.

Area C - Steel piling has been installed at the north end of Life Science Annex and will be extended to the south on the east side in preparation for footing and foundations of the new building.
Excavations for the area well at the south end of C started on Tuesday.
Storm sewer at the north end of LSA has been installed to the east side and will be turned south as work continues when area well has been installed. Excavations to extend the west tunnel are under way and once this work, as well as a few grade beams are in place, excavations for the basement level mechanical room of C will begin.

Area D - Electrical duct bank in alley has been completed. Work continues on the 12" water main in alley. Re-bar and form work continues at the Theatre. Footing and foundation work continuing.

12.02.2005

Area A - Steam piping, chilled water piping, electrical conduits and
heating duct work is continuing in the existing portion of the
building. Concrete floor above the nw mechanical room has been
installed and the workers are preparing the sound critical floor area
beneath office/studio spaces, directly above the mechanical room, for
the depressed slab. Iron Workers are making final structural steel
connections with bolts and welding in preparation for the exterior wall
framing in the new portion of A.

Area B - Structural steel installed to the south end of the New Area B
which includes columns, beams, roof joists. Some metal decking has been
positioned on the roof to be installed. Connections of the steel being
completed with bolts and welds. Rough-ins of the mechanical,
electrical, plumbing continuing in the existing portion.

Area C - Materials located in the south part of the site have been
relocated to make room for the equipment and excavations to C.
Coordination of the utilities and building underway, making the
necessary plans to install the new storm sewer and the new sanitary
sewer that will run along the south side of the new building. The walk
from the east side of Life Science Annex has been blocked for this work
and will remain closed until next summer. The north exit from LSA has
been made an emergency exit only and has means of egress along the north
side of the building to the lawn west of the Annex. This, too, will
remain until next summer as construction work proceeds in Area C.

Area D - Foundations and footings continue to expand towards the south.
Excavations on the north side of the current excavation will begin soon
which will become the mechanical room for the Theatre.

Steam lines being installed across 7th St. from Fine Arts to Buzzard Ed.
Bldg are about done. Water mains, electrical lines, and other utilities
are being installed across the street as the work progresses.

11.28.2005

Structural steel is being installed in Area B and interior duct work,
plumbing, and electrical rough-ins continuing. Some interior masonry
partitions being laid up.

Concrete floor is being installed in Area A, interior and interior duct
work, plumbing, and electrical rough-ins continuing. Interior masonry
walls have been completed on the ground level and are being installed on
second level. Roof decking being installed over Band Rehearsal. Decking
being stalled over new area B.

Preparations for foundations in Area C underway. Excavations for the
storm sewer around the north side of Life Science Annex is being done
and connection to the existing manhole on the east side of Booth Library
has been made; backfill work in progress; sidewalk will be replaced in
time for classes on Monday.

Foundation, footing, and reinforcing work continues on Area D.

Sheet piling installation was delayed due to removal of some steel
structure on the existing building A, ahead of EIU's Roofing Crew.
Anticipated piling installation is Wednesday.

Steam line is being installed from Fine Arts to Buzzard, crossing 7th
St.

Electrical duct band being installed in east alley.

11.16.2005

Work on the site is primarily in setting structural steel in A & B. In Area A, steel floor decking is being installed in the area above the nw mechanical room which will eventually be Music classrooms and offices. Duct work, plumbing, and electrical conduits are being installed throughout Area A and B.

Steel beams, columns, girders, and braces have been installed in the A/B Link now showing how the roof line will be in that area. Steel decking has not yet been installed in the Link so access from A to B is still from the lower level or from the exterior.

Work on Area B involves setting steel columns and preparing to set steel beams from the new concrete wall to the existing building. Once this steel has been placed, the cranes will be pulled out to the south and preparations for floor slabs will begin.

Work in Area C has started with the adjustment of the construction fence at the north end of Life Science Annex. The north exit of the Annex will be closed as an entrance and will be used only as an emergency exit until next summer. This is due to the amount of excavations and foundation work and walls that will be going on in this area.

Area D is expanding southward along the east side with more foundations and footings. The sheet piling at the alley is to be pulled beginning Wednesday, weather permitting, and relocated to Area C at the north end of LSA. These pilings will be installed next week.

11.10.2005

Structural steel in the A/B Link is going up giving dimension to the
space. MEP work is continuing on the interiors of A and B. Major
portions of the duct work and plumbing has been installed in A.

Work on D is continuing with foundations and reinforcing steel. More
footing and foundation walls have been poured as the foot print expands.
The east wall of the Theatre has been poured. The steel piling will be
removed on Thursday and transported to the southwest corner of the
project next to Life Science Annex.

Utility work in the east alley is expected to be completed Thanksgiving
Break.

Work is expanding into Area C. As footings and foundations move
southward out of Area B, preparations area made for excavations in the
southwest corner in front of Life Science Annex. The steel pilings that
are being removed from the east alley will be installed at the north end
of Life Science Annex beginning Monday. This work will take about five
days and will generate air-hammer type noise when the pile are driven
into the ground. This noise will be heard in LS and Booth Library.

The north exit of LSA will be used as an emergency only exit. With
construction going on immediately outside the exit, access to these
doors should only be for emergency purposes.

More steel beams and columns have been installed in Area B, south of the
Music Practice Room and will progress to the south.

11.10.2005

Beginning Thursday, 11/10/05, the contractor will make fence adjustments
at the southwest end of the Fine Arts project in preparation for the
installation of the new storm sewer and building foundations that are
scheduled to begin on Monday. The steel sheet piling presently in the
ground at the east alley will be removed beginning tomorrow morning and
transported to the north side of the Life Science Annex (LSA). On
Monday morning, the piling will be installed at the north side of the
Annex. This will create some noise. The occupants of LSA and Booth
have been notified of this activity.

The construction fence will be adjusted to prevent access to the
northeast and north side of the LSA. The north exit of LSA will remain
open but will identified as "Emergency Exit Only". The exit route will
be west along the face of the building to a point in the lawn where
access to the north/south walk can be accessed. It should be stressed
to students, faculty and staff that this exit should be used only in an
emergency situation. It is anticipated that the emergency exit
condition will be in effect for about a year.

Storm sewer work will cross the east Library walk during Thanksgiving
break. The walk be back in place for classes on the Monday after the
break.

11.02.2005

Area A - Work is continuing in the existing interior with
mechanical-electrical rough-ins. Steel beams, columns, joists and
decking being installed in various locations within the building.
Exterior wall installation for Band Rehearsal is being scheduled.

Area B - Work in the existing building is continuing with
mechanical-electrical rough-ins and structural steel. New construction
on the west side is progressing southward. Footings, foundations,
reinforcing steel, grade beams, and structural steel work continuing.

Area C - Work in this area is being planned. When work in Area B no
longer requires the access of heavy equipment, excavations for footing,
foundations and basement will start.

Area D - Footings and foundations along the east side are expanding. It
is anticipated that the foundation walls along the alley will be
completed this week in preparation for future utility work scheduled for
the alley during Christmas Break. Reinforcing steel and foundation work
continues with pouring concrete, setting new forms and installing
reinforcing.

10.26.2005

Structural steel has been arriving on site for the past couple of weeks with more scheduled in the next few weeks to come. We are seeing more of the steel being set into place and the building is beginning to take some shape.

Work continues on the A & B areas with footing, foundations, and reinforcing. More of the systems have been poured with concrete and is being made ready for installation of the structural steel. Work is moving southward towards Area C. Metal studs and steam piping is expected to be delivered next week.

Steel for framing the lobby between A & B has been delivered and have been positioned in the A/B link.

Area D work continues with the footing and foundations on the east side of the building adjacent to the alley. Approximately one half on the footings have been poured. Plans are to continue in this location until the foundation walls have been installed, at which time, the steel pilings will be removed in preparation for the alley work scheduled for Christmas Break.

The south portion of Area D has more reinforcing steel in place and forms will begin to be placed in the near future.

Interior rough-ins for the duct work, plumbing, and electrical continues in the existing portions of the building. Preparations are being made to being metal stud installations, too.

10.19.2005

Mechanical and Electrical rough-ins are continuing in the lower levels of Area A & B.

Foundation systems are progressing on Area B towards the south. The north exterior stair and retaining wall to the south has been poured, some forms removed and preparation for connection to the new tunnel is underway.

Steel structural system has been installed over the Glass Wing Mechanical Room (Band Rehearsal) and work in this area is now concentrating on completing connections with bolts and welding.

Area D work continues to be in the lower levels with foundations and footings. Excavations have expanded to the east and is now to the east wall of the Theatre where the stair will be located. Excavations and subgrade preparation is in progress for the lower corridor and stair slabs at the east end. Reinforcing work is continuing to the south below the Proscenium stage and seating area. Considerable reinforcing has been installed and is projecting into the air in these lower levels.

10.14.2005

Foundations are continuing on the west side of the existing building in
Area A & B, moving south towards Area C. Work continues on the west
stair and berm wall braces with reinforcing and form work being
installed, moving southward towards the tunnel and the south stair. The
floor slab for the Band Rehearsal Room has been poured. This area is
now ready to begin setting structural steel columns and beams. Lower
Level floor slab between A & B has been poured.

Structural steel has been installed in Area A, inside the existing
building, above the nw mechanical room in preparation for the ground
level floor system. The existing floor in this area was removed to
allow for overhead clearances to permit drilling of the cased pilings.

Plumbing work in the Lower Levels of A & B in continuing. Existing
concrete flooring is being cut out the allow installation of under-floor
plumbing piping. Duct work is being installed in these areas as well.
Masonry work to fill existing openings in walls and to prepare bearing
seats for structural steel is in progress, too.

Area D work continues with the lower level footings and foundations.
Corridor excavation is expanding eastward toward the steel sheet piling
and will continue to include the footings and foundations of the east
wall of the Theatre.

Deliveries of structural steel, including bar joists, beams, columns,
and decking will increase over the next couple of weeks.

10.05.2005

Work this past week was on the footings and foundations and was
primarily being done on the west side of the existing buildings in Areas
A & B. This is in preparation for structural steel delivery scheduled
for the week of Oct. 17th. The forms for the north exterior stair on the
west side are almost complete as is the first brace wall to the south.
Footings were poured Tuesday afternoon for the next portion of building
just north of the new tunnel in Area B.

Forms have been set in preparation to pour the floor slab (over the
existing nw mechanical room) for the Band Rehearsal Room next week.

Work in Area D has been limited to the completion of the steel piling
installation, minor reinforcing and form work due to the need to be
ready for the structural steel delivery for Area B. With the steel
piling now in place, excavations for the east wall of the Theater
adjacent to the alley is expected to begin later this week or next week.

Plumbing, electrical, and HVAC roughins are continuing in the existing
portions of Area A.

09.30.2005

Foundations are beginning to be seen above ground on the west side of
the project. Areas A & B are starting to come out of the ground with
the structure. Area B has the form work and reinforcing steel for the
north exterior stair to the second level class rooms and offices. The
excavation adjacent to the south of the tunnel will eventually become
the south stair to the second level class rooms and offices.

More grade beams are being constructed in A & B in preparation for the
floor slabs. Grade beams at the A/B Link were poured Tuesday.
Structural steel delivery is scheduled for this week and the second week
in October for these areas.

Steel bar joists and steel decking for the interior work in A & B is
scheduled for delivery during the week of Oct. 10th.

Interior duct work has started in Area A.

Work on Area D is continuing with the foundations and footings on the
south side of the corridor. The form work has been partially set in
place for the corridor walls while the reinforcing is being installed.

Sheet piling work is about complete.

09.23.2005

Work is continuing on the foundation systems for A, B, & D. Grade
beams, footings, and foundation walls are being formed and poured in the
three locations. The basic footprint of the building on the west side
of the existing structure is beginning to become apparent as the work
progresses southward.

Footings and foundations continue on Area D, Theater. The sheet pilings
are continuing and may take a little longer than anticipated due to the
proximity of the utilities in the alley way. The closeness of the sewer
and water lines and the telephone lines is such that placement of the
pilings has to be done more slowly to insure that they miss these
utilities.

09.14.2005

The announced sheet piling work should begin again this week. Tuesday morning, the contractor started compacting the soil where the excavations were made for the repairs to provide a stable platform for the crane to operate. Again, installation of the piling will take approximately a week and will have hammering noise associated with it.

Excavations, foundations and footings continue on the east side of 7th St. where the Theater will be located. The excavations that are being done at this time are for the area that will be beneath the Proscenium Theater.

Excavations for footing and foundations under the A and B portions of the project are continuing and can be seen as you walk along the fence adjacent to the Library Quad. This work includes installation of reinforcing for the footing and foundations as well as some form work prior to pouring concrete. Some concrete footing were poured on Tuesday afternoon.

Under floor plumbing and foundation drainage tile have been installed in the northwest mechanical room and the existing floor has been removed.
Final preparations are being done in order to pour the new floor slab.

Grade beams and floor slab at the A-B Link is ready to pour. A is located north of the void where the new concourse will be located and B is that portion of the existing building that includes Dvorak Concert Hall. C is that portion south of Dvorak and D is across 7th St. and has the Theater Wing.

Coordination work for the existing building mechanical systems is being completed for A & B. Sheet metal duct work will begin arriving on site Wednesday, Sept. 14, and stored in the lower level of the building.
Installation of the duct work is anticipated to start in the next week or so. This will depend upon the Plumbing, Heating, and Electrical Contractors making final coordination efforts with everyone.

The work flow of this project, with the exception of the Theater, is from the existing building to the north and west and will move southward towards Life Science then east towards 7th St., because of the site restrictions. Access for the major materials and heavy truck deliveries is limited to coming in from the south of the existing building and along the west side. Work must be done from north to south so that once completed, heavy equipment will not have to re-enter the area and damage the new work.

09.9.2005

Work continuing on foundations and footings in Area A & B as well as D.
Footing tiles are being installed and/or replaced as needed.

Under floor plumbing work is on-going in the northwest mechanical room.
Floor slab has to be cut out and plumbing trenches have to be prepared
for the underslab piping systems.

A portion of the footings in Area D (Theater) have been poured in the
deep portions.

Up coming work will be to complete the auger-cast pilings on the east
side of Dvorak Concert Hall. Pier caps will be poured on the pilings
that have been put into place, readying for steel columns.

Installation of the sheet piling along the east alley will begin on
Thursday morning (tomorrow). Neighbors have been notified. This work
is expected to take about a week to complete. It will be noisy and
dangerous in the alley area. A large crane will be hammering sheet
steel into the ground to a depth of approximately 20 feet using a
drop-weight to pound the sheets. The number of hits each sheet will
take will depend upon the density of the soil.

09.7.2005

Contractors are continuing to layout work in Area D. Excavations for
the lower levels are continuing and expanding. Forms for footing and
foundations have been installed and some concrete has been poured.
Temporary electrical power has been established for contractors to use
their power tools.

Storm sewer work in Hayes St. has been completed.

Contractor is continuing to make up the reinforcing for the work in Area
A, B & D.

Anticipation of steel delivery in the next week or so. This steel will
be for the structural components of the interiors of the existing
building. Work on pier caps and under slab plumbing is continuing in
the existing portions of the building. Grade beams have been excavated
in the space between A & B. Site preparation and layout has been
started around the Band Room area of Area A in preparation for
foundations and footings. Tuesday's rainfall from Hurricane Katrina
slowed work somewhat for the day.

Coordination drawings are being completed for the mechanical and
electrical work that will be starting in the lower level of A soon.

08.24.2005

Foundations and basement work is continuing around Areas B and D.

Footing tile is being installed around the new work at the existing nw mechanical room. Work on the grade beams/foundations should begin in near future.

That portion of the tunnel at the southwest corner located outside of the construction fence is being finished up and tunnell roof is to be installed next week.

Excavations in Area D, Theater, have been extended down to about 20 feet below the floor line of Doudna to the lowest point of the building where framing for footing has begun.

Storm sewer work in Hayes is continuing. When completed, Hayes will again be opened for truck traffic, reducing the use on 7th St.

Plumbing and under floor drainage is being installed in the nw mechanical room in preparation for the mechanical equipment air handlers.

08.18.2005

The main north/south walk on the east side of Booth Library is open to traffic as of Wednesday afternoon. The angled walk at the northeast corner of Booth is planned to be poured Thursday morning and made ready for traffic on Friday. Progress was slowed earlier this week due to the rainfall.

The utility tunnel at Booth Library has been constructed to be within 8' of the new building wall. The last section of the tunnel will be installed when the building foundations in this area are put into place. The remaining work on the tunnel west of the walk is to install the top cover and the access lid. This work is planned for Thursday and Friday and will include backfilling around the tunnel and walks.

The alley on the east is open. The fencing has been pulled back to allow traffic to move along the east side of the construction site. This traffic is, however, one way at the constriction - north to south and should be used only by those persons occupying the apartments directly affected by construction. Additional utility work in the alley will be done during Christmas Break.

Excavations for footing tile around the existing portion of the northwest mechanical room started today. New drainage tile is being placed on the top of the existing footing to provide an avenue for ground water to get away from the building.

Interior work has been in the nw mechanical room in getting it ready for the structural elements and plumbing items that are required. This work includes cutting and breaking out the existing concrete floor.

Sewer work in continuing in Hayes St. with excavations to make connections to the existing sewer. Once this work is completed, Hayes will again be used for the major truck traffic entering and exiting the site.

Major excavations have begun on the east side of 7th St. The lowest levels of the Theater are being readied for footings and foundations. Once this area has been installed, work will expand to the north where the new mechanical spaces are located and next to the alley to install the footings and foundations for the east wall of the Theater.

08.15.2005

Work on opening the sidewalk on the east side of the Library is continuing. A delivery issue with an access lid for the tunnel may delay the opening of the walk causing a temporary path around the construction fence. We are currently working to resolve this issue and have the walk open for school.

Work on the foundations is continuing. The tunnel is being extended towards the new building with the remaining access opening to be poured.

Concrete is being poured in the area well adjacent to the Dvorak offices in Area B. Work in the existing Mechanical Room below the Glass Wing to prepare for some structural columns is in progress.

The sanitary sewer piping has been installed from the alley on the east to the manhole at the entrance to the Union parking lot and is being extended southwest towards the Fine Arts Building at this time.

Work is continuing on making up the steel reinforcement cages that are to be used in the foundation systems. A large portion of this work is being done on the east side of 7th St. where there is more laydown room, especially when the footing work begins on the nw mechanical area.

Preparations are underway to begin the excavations for the east wall of the Theater. This foundation will be used as a retaining wall for the work in the alley during the Christmas Break.

Final coordination of the Trades is being done at this time for the work in the existing building. Once this has been done and shop fabrications are completed, installation will begin with the HVAC, Ventilation, Plumbing, electrical, and sprinkler.

08.03.2005

Work on the project is beginning to expand has activity in three of the four areas of the building. Area A is that portion of the existing building that contained the theater stage and black box; Area B is that area having Dvorak and offices; Area C is the new portion that will extend south of Dvorak; and Area D will be the new Theater on the east side of 7th Street. It will be good to make note of these areas because we will most likely will be referring to an "area" as a part of future reports.

Work emphasis continues to be on the foundations and tunnel. Excavations for an area well on the west side of the existing portion of Area B have been done and are waiting for base materials to be installed. Pour soil was discovered at the connecting portion of Area A & B (referred to as A/B Link) and gravel ballast was brought in to make the base firm.

Work continues on the tunnel at the southwest portion of the site. Forming and reinforcing for the walls of the tunnel are being extended eastward towards the new building location. Roof framing for the intersecting portion will begin soon in order to cover up the tunnel. The contractor assures me that the walk will be open for start of fall semester.

The water main has been extended from 7th St. eastward to the alley. Excavations began this morning to install the two manhole structures that will be plac