CU is currently undergoing four major construction projects that have resulted in detour routes for students.
The university is expanding and renovating Ekeley Sciences’ Middle Wing, Baker Hall and the University Recreation Center. They are also constructing the East District Energy Plant (EDEP) as a part of the Campus Utility System project, an energy-saving initiative to reduce the university’s carbon footprint. Combined, the projects cost an estimated $211 million. Looking for scaffolding for sale online for your construction projects? A good company like Badger Ladder scaffolding provides industry-recognized scaffolding products from trusted brands which include multi-function scaffolding, scaffold frames, scaffold packages, scaffold towers, scaffolding accessories, and tube and clamp scaffolding. Construction projects like this usually require building a scaffolding around the structures.
Construction worker Petey Quintana directs pedestrians past construction on campus. The CU Rec Center has been under construction for just over 10 months and is expected to be completed in Fall 2014. (Gray Bender/CU Independent)
None of the projects, except for the student-voted renovation of the recreation center, will come from student fees.
The other projects will be paid for through cash reserves, long-term debt proceeds and public grants to the university. Funding for the Rec Center is provided by selling bonds that will be repaid over the course of 25 years with student fees.
Junior Clare O’Callahan is annoyed with all of the construction.
“I feel like we’re not getting our money’s worth,” O’Callahan said. “There’s no good air conditioning and it’s hard to navigate…but I am excited for the finished product.”
Nicole Gordon, a communications director for CU’s Department of Facilities Management, said that although students may be dealing with the difficulties of getting around the construction, the department takes measures to minimize the impact of these projects. Most of the work is done during the summer months, in the evening and on the weekends when there is be little student disruption.
“The safety of campus users is always our first priority,” Gordon said.
Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Kelly Baines at kelly.baines@colorado.edu.
