Construction workers worked diligently through central New York's harsh winter and have Phase I of the new Science Center nearly finished. "I would say the construction is 97 percent complete, with professors moving into their new offices within the month," said assistant director of construction Bill Huggins.
With all major mechanical apparatuses installed, minor "cosmetic" tasks comprise the bulk of the remaining duties. Installation of flooring, ceiling tiles, wood trim and lighting grills, among other things, is all that stands between many science department faculty members and their new state-of-the-art facilities.
Carpet will be installed in offices, which are separated from corridors by floor-to-ceiling panes of glass. Vinyl composition tiles (VCT) will be installed in the labs. VC tiles offer moderate pricing, durability, easy installation, and a resistance to scuffs, burns, dents, and grease, a perfect surface for laboratories. Slate will cover all vestibule and atrium floors. Seamless vinyl tiles will be laid throughout the building's corridors.
The ground floor will house the physics department, the 1st floor will be split by the geology and chemistry departments, the second floor will belong to the biology department and archaeology faculty and the third floor will be home to the psychology department, as well as the greenhouse and mechanical equipment.
The greenhouse exterior was completed in February, when a crew of three installed the windows and another crew of three attached and operated the crane that lifted more than 75 panes four stories to the greenhouse frame. The greenhouse is split into five different workspaces, two will belong to student research and three to faculty.
Recessed bulletin boards and chalkboards have been installed throughout the building and in student study areas located at the ends of the building that overlook Campus Road and Loop Road. First aid stations have been placed in necessary laboratories and recycling stations are scattered throughout the building as well.
With Phase I coming to a close, construction workers will move on to Phase II of the project. First on the docket is the demolition of the 1960's building that runs parallel with Scott Field House. "Workers will have to demolish the present building and frame and enclose the new structure before winter begins," added Huggins. Following that will be the renovation of the original 1925 Science Building. The completion of the entire science center is scheduled for summer 2005.
