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Detour: Campus construction updateCampus construction updates
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Mind the gap, the torn up sidewalk, missing lawns and construction vehicles roaring through campus; BSU is getting many facelifts.
The largest project, or at least the most visible, is the tennis center project. Construction began this summer, but “because of problems getting the bidding process underway, we are behind schedule,” said Larry Blake, director of facilities planning.
This project should be completed in three months, Blake said, however a few more months will be needed to build the adjoining structure.
Plans are to build a long narrow building housing locker rooms, showers, coaches offices and storage spaces. Built on the top of this structure will be an area with bleachers to watch tournament matches.
The Student Recreation Center project is also behind schedule and now suffering political controversy.
“Construction of the student recreation center has been going on for over a year now,” Blake said.
According to the contract established by BSU, work on this structure should have been done in July.
“The contractors are doing a reasonable job,” Blake said, “but they are pushing time back.”
However, a portion of student fees this year have been going toward the maintenance and upkeep of a building that is not yet finished.
“Students approved a fee increase for the maintenance and operating costs of the recreation center on the assumption that it would open this fall,” said Nate Peterson, president of the Associated Students of Boise State University.
Adding to the controversy are other projects also behind schedule.
North of the Liberal Arts building is the Theatre Lane renovation. The entire street is torn up, “we wanted to get it done earlier,” Blake said.
Blake explained it is a project under the division of public works. It is this division establishing bidding contracts, and managing the contracts.
Blake confessed the project did not get started as early as administration wanted.
“It should be a short duration project, and finished within a few weeks,” Blake said.
The project will be replacing deteriorated pavement, and “gaining some green space south of the communication department to provide a nice sitting area,” Blake said.
Also disrupting students is the renovation of Campus Lane, which is undergoing an intensive lighting and landscaping project.
Campus safety has re-routed the shuttle busses because of this project.
“From the safety aspect, we are replacing one of the most deteriorated greenbelt path areas,” Blake said.
Plans are to provide a ten-foot sidewalk, “making the sidewalk brighter and creating a pedestrian node where people can pull off the greenbelt to sit,” Blake continued.
The North Terrace of the Liberal Arts building is the final construction project currently operating.
“The North Terrace has become deteriorated since it was built in 1966,” Blake said. “It’s in bad shape.”
Plans include replacing the surface, installing six new benches and “making the building look better to last a couple decades, or longer,” Blake said.
Despite these numerous delays, one project is now complete – although it too may have been delayed.
Two large blue and copper kiosks, one near the Student Union Building and another near the quad area by the Liberal Arts building, are now installed.
These structures are intended to provide a space for the display of banners and other campus news.
Funding for the kiosks was provided in April 2000 by ASBSU, Peterson said. They were built under the direction of the contributing organizations, however, “ASBSU provided the funding over a year ago, and we are just seeing them now,” Peterson, said.
“We were upset that it took fifteen months to actually start building when it only took two days to build,” Peterson continued.
Despite the delays, Blake said that most projects are progressing and should meet students’ needs.
Laura Wylde
