Carver construction: Updates for the weeks of Jan. 31, Feb. 7

Construction continues on the Carver Academic Facility construction project on Western Washington University's Bellingham campus.

The project includes replacement of the building center section with a three-story addition and wrapping the east and south sides with new structure and glass windows and other exterior openings. The project will address urgently needed seismic reinforcement throughout the facility, replace numerous aging building systems, provide improved disabled access to classrooms, labs and offices, and allow for much better use of academic spaces.

Live video feeds of the construction project are available on the project website from the WWU Office of Facilities Development and Capital Budget.

During the week of Jan. 31, construction workers will:

  • Complete core drilling of piles in 1935 building.
  • Continue demolition of slab in 1935 building.
  • Complete demolition of duct/pipe crawl in 1935 building.
  • Continue underground plumbing work.
  • Continue underground electrical work.
  • Continue excavation for building foundation.
  • Complete sanitary sewer on north side.
  • Begin storm system work on north side.

Based on geotechnical reports, there’s a likelihood of encountering rock when excavating for plumbing systems the end of January/beginning of February. The work will take place on the north end of the construction site (near Bond Hall) and will continue for several weeks. A large excavator and concrete breaker will create very loud, deep rumbling noise and vibrations. We’ll notify campus as soon as the need for this work is confirmed.

Construction plans for the week of Feb. 7:

  • Complete demolition of slab in 1935 building.
  • Continue excavation for building foundation.
  • Continue underground plumbing work.
  • Continue underground electrical work.

For more information, contact Dale Krause, construction coordinator, at 360-650-4646 or dale.krause@wwu.edu.

The Carver construction project as it looks from the SMATE building on Jan. 29, 2016.