Construction Zone: Colgate Building, Repairing This Summer

RFH 2010, Colgate News

Fri, Jul 09, 2010

Shortly after the last member of Colgate’s Class of 2010 crossed the stage at commencement in May, they were replaced on campus by a small army of construction workers.

So much for the quiet, relaxed days of summer on the Colgate campus.

The place has become one big work zone as a slew of construction projects are under way. They range from an entirely new building to a long list of repairs and renovations to existing facilities.

David Hale, Colgate’s VP for finance and administration, oversees those who oversee the work being done on campus. He says Colgate is filled with contractors and equipment this summer more so than in recent years for several reasons.

Unique Opportunities: Such is the case of the new fitness center (photo above) being constructed on Rte 12B in front of the Lineberry Natatorium, a.k.a. the pool. Hale said the project was fully funded by gifts so there was no fiscal reason holding it back.

Catching Up. Some projects -- like the extensive renovation and updating of the presidential residence Watson House -- was overdue. Maintenance had been deferred and when new President Dr. Jeffrey Herbst said he wanted to live on campus, work began.

Normal Repairs. Hale said with a physical plant the size of Colgate's, there are always repairs that need to be done. Such is the case of the underground steam lines that are used to heat many of the buildings on campus. That is the project going on in front of the Dana Arts Center (photo below left), said Hale. The numerous stairs leading up to Persson Hall are also being repaired.

Acquisitions. Colgate recently closed on the purchase of the Delta Kappa Epsilon -- DKE -- house at the corner of Broad and College streets (photo below right). Uninhabited for some time, Hale said there was considerable work inside and out needing to be done. In need of more housing, Hale said it was especially important to get repairs to the DKE house done in time for students' arrivals in late August.

Upkeep. And, every summer, said Hale, Colgate staffers fan out over campus to paint, replace carpeting and make minor repairs.

Change. Later this month begins a major face-lift and interior rearranging of some of the rooms at the Colgate Inn, which is owned by the university. Several sleeping rooms will be made into suites and the floor-plan of the first floor will be altered considerably. Outside, numerous parking spaces will be added. That will be a year-long project.

Hale noted that working on campus on campus during the summer is not as easy as it sounds. He said that while there is no summer session, work continues in many departments and there are a variety of camps and conferences going on.

And, the facility itself sometimes makes it difficult for workers to do their jobs. Hale said many of Colgate's buildings are more than 100 years old. That presents a variety of challenges.

But, he is quick to add that it's essential the maintenance, repairs and new building continue.

"We have a great national reputation for our facility," said Hale. "That is something that must be maintained."

He said all of the work is being handled by regional construction companies.