Summer construction projects include exterior renovation of PAC, remodel of Old Main solarium

While students complete their final exams this month and many exit campus until fall, the major work coordinated by the Office of Facilities Development and Capital Budget is just beginning.

The most visible public works projects will take place on the north end of campus (see map). These include the exterior renovation of the Performing Arts Center and the first of a two-phase interior renovation of Nash Hall. Walking through the Old Main quad may be a bit of a challenge as several projects will converge on the north side of Wilson Library. Pedestrian detours will be signed and will change as projects progress. Pedestrian detours will also be set up at the north end of Old Main for work on the fifth floor solarium and on the south side of Humanities for the brick replacement project.

The Central Campus Steam Upgrades project will impact circulation along East College Way behind Miller Hall, Fraser Hall and Old Main; parts of the road will be narrowed to one lane and some construction traffic is expected. For their safety, folks should avoid this area.

Other public works projects with fewer impacts will be sprinkled throughout campus, with the majority in buildings facing Haskell Plaza. More information can be found on the campus construction map. Check “construction” under the “Features” tab in the upper right hand corner. Then, click on individual buildings with orange dots for project information. Contact the project manager if you have questions or concerns.

The Facilities Management crews also will be busy with in-house maintenance projects to keep campus running smoothly and efficiently. These projects include, but aren’t limited to, restroom upgrades in the Humanities basement, installation of carbon monoxide detectors in Birnam Wood, replacement of exterior and bedroom suite doors in Ridgeway Gamma, new window blinds in the Science, Mathematics and Technology Education building, interior painting in Ridgeway Omega and Sigma, and site work along South College Drive. For additional information, please contact the Facilities Management Work Control Center at 360-650-3420.

The City of Bellingham will make major upgrades to the sidewalks on 25th Street between Bill MacDonald Parkway and Douglas Avenue. The work will begin on June 16 and should be completed by early September. This segment of 25th Street will be closed to traffic during the daytime, with local access returned in the evenings. Call the City Public Works Administration and Engineering Department with questions or concerns about this project at 360-778-7900.