New Comm Building Debut Pushed Back
Will Armbruster
Issue date: 2/25/09 Section: Features
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A Longwood press release estimated the final cost of the project at $11.9 million. John Wood, director of capital planning and construction, said the project's construction cost was $10.7 million. The remainder of the price consisted of equipment and furnishings.
After breaking ground in spring 2007, the original timetable given to faculty and staff was 15 months, placing the completion date around the end of December 2008. Faculty were expecting to begin moving in during the early stages of January 2009, before students returned from their winter break. However, due to budget cuts, the necessary advancement in other campus construction projects and the harsh economy, the new communications studies/theatre building experienced a few minor delays in construction.
"Previous to construction, funding shortfalls became apparent at certain design phases and holdups were encountered while waiting on state approvals for increased funding and scope adjustments to cover the shortfalls," said Wood.
"Capital planning and construction oversees the capital process from project inception to the end of the post-occupancy building warranty period and beyond," said Wood. "We are the interface between state regulatory agencies, architecture and engineering firms and the university community, and facilitate all aspects of the process."
Now, with spring right around the corner and the semester quickly reaching its halfway point, the end is in sight and faculty hope not to experience any more setbacks.
The latest information released is that construction on the new facility should conclude in April. "The building will reach substantial completion in March, and a final completion in April," said Wood. Wood also explained he anticipates that the building will hold its first classes during May summer session beginning the May 18.
"This is it," said Dr. Ramesh Rao, chair of the communication studies and theatre department. "All of the necessary monies are in, so we foresee no further delays of that nature."
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