Campus construction projects starting soon

The University of Lethbridge has met with a significant challenge in dealing with recent budget cuts. Several departments across campus have felt the hit including Facilities. The parking lot project won’t be as extensive as previously reported, and the UCA North Patio renovation project has been postponed until further notice.

However, several other exciting projects are in the works to help enhance our campus and  create a more sustainable environment.

Food Services Renovations

Now that the U of L has a new food vendor coming on board, work to update the food services area in UCA will get underway this summer.

Work to improve the Amamark food services area in University Hall and LINC will begin in May. Due to the extensive renovations of this project, Coulee Junction (CJ’s) will be closed for the summer.

Prelim view CJ's 2

CJ’s will be renamed “The Urban Market.” The floor area will expand from 885 sq. metres to 1,085 sq. metres. The facility will see several upgrades including new electrical, plumbing and ventilation systems, and renovations to the Aramark Catering business offices, food service areas, dining room, and cooking and food prep stations. The new venue is set to open August 2013.

In addition, Fresh Express in Block C of U Hall will be transformed into Subway, and The Station (Level 9 LINC) will become Starbucks.

Parking Lot Rehabilitation

Due to budget constraints, work on the western parking lots will be limited to completion of last year’s work as well as repairs to some badly damaged asphalt resulting from a harsh winter conditions.

Library Roof

The Library roof will undergo work as crews replace the roofing membrane that has been lifted by the area’s notorious winds. So long as Mother Nature cooperates, the project will last from about May to mid-August. During this time the south entrance to the Library from the Aperture loop will be closed.

The Library’s south patio doors will also be closed intermittently throughout the summer however, the north entrance will remain open.

PE Tunnel and South Plaza Rehabilitation

The South Plaza will see about 1,500 sq. m. of concrete removed and re-poured along the exterior of the Max Bell Aquatic Centre and Student’s Union Building. This area will be closed from May to December to allow heavy equipment to move easily within the site.

Due to construction both inside the tunnel and on the plaza, the tunnel will be closed for the duration of the project.

Construction fencing and snow fencing will be placed around the site. Entrances highlighted in red on the below image indicate door closures for the duration of the project. Entrances highlighted in green (PE Building) indicate temporary public access.

H:AppsDraftRNOPedestrian Tunnel South Plaza RehabilitationP

 

Pedestrians traveling from the Library to the upper campus are encouraged to use the pathways north of the Library to the northern building entrances.

Vehicular traffic will be directed through Lot D. Public transit stops will be moved back towards the Library entrance (highlighted in pink above).

 

Project Management Office launches new website

The Facilities Project Management Office (PMO) is responsible for the project management phase of campus construction and renovation projects.

The PMO consistently has several projects on the go, and in order to better inform the campus and Lethbridge community about its activities, the department has launched a new website.

It includes information about major construction as well as information about some of the smaller projects that don’t see as much limelight as others.

Requests for Proposals and Requests for Quotations for upcoming projects will also be available online.

We hope the new site will become a regular resource for contractors, the campus community, and Lethbridge residents.

Happy browsing!

 

 

 

Summer 2013 construction season

In January, we mentioned how crazy busy campus constrution was going to be with all the projects planned for this summer. Well, we’ve got a few more details to add in order to keep you in the loop.

Speaking of loops, one of the biggest projects on campus also promises to be the most disruptive:

PE Tunnel Rehabilitation and South Plaza replacement.

This project will see the tearing up and replacing of the concrete slabs on the south plaza, as well as underground tunnel maintenance including leak repairs, installation of new air handling units for better air quality and new lighting.

The tunnel and outdoor area from the PE Building along the Students’ Union Building up to the rotunda near the Library will be closed will be closed throughout the duration of the project to allow heavy equipment to move easily within the site.

The closure also includes the Aperture Road bus loop. The U of L Facilities department is working with the City of Lethbridge to find a new, temporary bus route for L.A. Transit. We will let everyone know what the new route will be once it has been finalized.

Library roof

Nearby, the Library roof will undergo work as crews replace the roofing membrane that has been lifted by the area’s notorious winds. So long as Mother Nature cooperates, the project will last from about May to mid-July. During this time the south entrance to the Library will be closed.

West parking lots

The second phase of the parking lot redevelopment project will see Lots E and G undergo substantial work. In addition to repaving the lots, a storm water management and drainage system along with new trees and landscaping, windbreaks, concrete curbing and sidewalks, and new lighting will enhance the area. As a gateway to the University, this parking area is one of the first areas of campus that people see. The project will help create a sense of place and welcoming to new and returning guests.

UCA North Patio

The wood and concrete flooring on the North Patio off the University Centre for the Arts building will be replaced this summer. The entrance into the patio area at the bottom of the pathway will be closed, but pedestrians should still be able to access the path to gain access to other areas.

Food Services renovation

Now that the U of L has a new food vendor coming on board, work to update the food services area in UCA will get underway this summer.

In addition to these major projects, several others are already underway in less obtrusive areas such as the Prairie Quad north of Markin Hall, University Hall Breezeway infrastructure upgrades, elevator upgrades in UCA, Students’ Union Building and Turcotte Hall, and various flooring replacement and building control upgrade projects that will take place on evenings and weekends.

More information on these and other upcoming projects will be announced  as details emerge. The Facilities department would like to thank everyone in advance for their patience during the busy construction season ahead.

Another busy building year at U of L

It’s a New Year which means a new list of campus enhancing activities is being planned by the Facilities department.

The Project Management Office (PMO) is gearing up for next summer’s construction season with several projects aimed to improve campus life for the University community.

A significant project taking place is the rehabilitation of the PE underground tunnel and south plaza replacement. Construction is set to begin in May and run through to the end of the year.

The project addresses necessary infrastructure upgrades including tunnel leak repairs as well as work to improve the air quality and lighting. The tunnel murals should be preserved unless unforeseen circumstances arise.

Work on the south plaza will see about 1,500 sq. m. of concrete removed and re-poured along the exterior of the Max Bell Aquatic Centre and Student’s Union Building up to the north side of the library and rotunda.

Pedestrian Tunnel South Plaza Rehabilitation

Because the area above the tunnel cannot withstand more than 10,000 lbs. of weight, the underground tunnel will be closed throughout the duration of the project to allow the coordination of heavy duty excavation equipment.

The Aperture Drive bus loop and Lot D with the loop will be also closed during construction. A new, temporary bus route will be planned in conjunction with the City of Lethbridge. The new route will be announced when it is finalized.

The tunnel will remain closed during both June and October convocations. More details regarding this project will be released as it becomes available.

The final phase of the Parking Lot Redevelopment Project will also get underway this summer. The project includes paving Lots E and G, installing landscaping and trees, and the construction of storm water management and drainage systems.

The new residence in Aperture Park will open in July 2013. The last sections of concrete pouring for the 259-bed facility has already taken place. The pouring of the residence roof on Dec. 12 was a significant milestone for the construction crew and we were happy to have the University Board of Governors take in a tour of the site the following day.

Housing is already taking applications for returning students. Read more about what the residence will look like here.