While students were away from campus this summer, the University was hard at work preparing for the 2009-2010 school year. Below is a brief overview of some of the construction projects that you may not have noticed.

Hood Fans in Senior Houses

In an attempt to reduce the number of fire alarm activations due to cooking smoke, 43 hood fans were installed in senior woodframes. An outside electrical contractor installed 24 hood fans, and in-house electricians installed 19. These fans were installed in as many locations as the $20,000 allotted by the annual major maintenance program allowed.

Judd Hall Lab Renovations

Construction services renovated a psychology lab for new Assistant Professor Charles Sanislow. The project took place on a fast track schedule beginning on Aug. 5 and was completed on Sept. 4. The project consisted of demolishing a concrete-encased steel beam mezzanine structure inside of the old Room 307, which previously housed storage space above and a few post-doctorate and graduate student offices below. From the old drawings it appeared that the mezzanine was added to the building in one of its renovations over the years to add additional space. With the mezzanine removed, new spaces were built consisting of two assessment rooms, an observation and data processing room and a ten-seat seminar room. The lab will be fully operational by the end of the month once wiring is completed for computers and audio-visual equipment.

Roof Repairs

Beginning in April, Associate Director of Construction Services Roseann Sillasen and Assistant Director of Building Trades Tom Policki addressed repairs needed on a number of roofs throughout campus. Restoration plans are developed and carried out as roof deficiencies are identified. This year, a number of replacements and repairs have been carried out. Notable buildings that have undergone work include a number of senior woodframes, North College, and Olin Library.

Allbritton Applies for LEED Gold Status

The newly opened Allbritton Center is applying to the United States Green Building Council for LEED Gold Status. According to its website, the Council is a “non-profit community of leaders working to make green buildings available to everyone within a generation,” and “LEED certification provides independent, third-party certification that a building project meets the highest green building and performance measures.” This environmental focus parallels Allbritton Center’s commitment to social engagement. The range for Gold in the LEED category of New Construction is 39 to 51 credits and Allbritton is applying with 47.