Construction update -- April 30, 2020
April 30, 2020
Facilities Services’ Division of Design and Construction is continuing with construction
activities across the Fairbanks campus. Three new projects are about to start that
will affect areas on the east side of campus.
Please be aware that normal campus pathways and building access will be changing during these projects. If you need assistance with physical access to this space, please notify your supervisor or request access through the Department of Equity and Compliance .
You’ll find information on all active construction projects planned for summer 2020 on the construction map here (PDF) .
Project #3 on the 2020 construction map: The utilities pipe upgrade project will install new chilled water piping from May 1 through June 15. The work will take place between the Signers’ Hall parking lot and the Rasmuson Library. This work will improve the efficiency and water pressure in the chilled water lines. It will also help the buildings on the east side of campus operate more efficiently and improve indoor air quality.
The construction is planned to be completed in one phase and will close the normal pedestrian access between the Cornerstone Plaza area and Gruening/Rasmuson. The work will also partially limit the access to the parking lot on the west end of the Bunnell Building. The egress routes around the construction will be provided, and fire lane access will be maintained. Please watch for wayfinding signs to guide pedestrians safely around the construction.
Project #11 on the 2020 construction pap: The Gruening ground floor refresh will renovate the elevator lobby, corridors and portions of the stairwells to provide a clean and contemporary appearance. Work will include new floor tile, paint, ceilings and lighting. It will also create a new student lounge where students can study or work together between classes. Work is scheduled May 4-Aug. 14.
The construction will be completed in two phases to maintain egress throughout the duration of the project. Please watch for the wayfinding signs as access will change between the phase 1 elevator lobby repairs and the phase 2 corridor repairs.
Phase 1 will begin by closing the north entrance, the ground floor elevator lobby, and a portion of the main stairwell. Gruening will remain accessible through the east, west and south entrances. Building occupants can use the stairwell closest to the Eielson Building to reach the fourth floor, then use the elevator to access floors 1-2 and 4-8.
Once phase 1 is complete, the ground floor elevator lobby and the main stairwell will be opened for public access.
Phase 2 will close the east, west and south entrances and the connected corridors for repairs. The contractor's staging and storage of materials will be within the affected third-floor rooms except for a dumpster near the exterior stairwell.
Project #10 on the 2020 construction map: The Constitution Hall renovations project is tentatively scheduled for mid-May through the end of September. It will renovate the main stairwell, including replacing the worn entry, the non-compliant ADA ramp and steps, and installing a snowmelt system to improve safety.
An elevator will be installed to provide ADA access to all floors. The third floor will be renovated to serve as the new home for the Department of Equity and Compliance , which ensures compliance with UA nondiscrimination policies and Civil Rights laws. The contractor will secure the area between Constitution Hall and Constitution Plaza (“Turtle Circle”) to remove and replace the exterior entry.
Please watch for wayfinding signs to the northeast stairwell to get to the post office and the textbook bookstore located in the basement.
Please note that the Alumni Office and the barber shop are in the process of moving and will be temporarily relocated to Lathrop Hall for the duration of the construction. The Alumni Office will be in Lathrop Room 201. The barber shop will be in Lathrop Room 115.
Construction and COVID-19: Construction and maintenance of public works is considered essential activity under the current State of Alaska COVID-19 health mandates. All UAF employees and contractor staff associated with construction activity at UAF facilities have established workplace safety controls to protect themselves and the public from transmission of COVID-19.