By Steven Viera || Senior Editor
Dan Porterfield, president of the College, announced in an email in late October that work would begin on a series of major construction projects. Upon completion, all projects — which are scheduled to be finished by Spring — will result in the renovation of restaurant space in College Square into an infirmary, installation of a floor and track in the Alumni Sports & Fitness Center and new professional playground painting.
“[In College Square] the project is located on the east side of the first floor, in what was formerly the Gibraltar and Doc Holiday’s restaurant space,” said Sheldon Wenger, assistant director for project management from F&M’s Facilities & Operations (F&O). “The demolition phase was completed on Nov. 11. Permitting will take place over the next four-to-six weeks, and then construction will begin around the middle to end of December.”
As the College embarks on these ambitious construction projects, the strategic utilization of steel fabrication and resources becomes paramount to ensure timely completion and quality outcomes. Among the myriad considerations, the procurement of specialized equipment like diggers emerges as a critical component. With deadlines looming and precise excavation work required for various aspects of the renovations, seeking out reliable digger hire services becomes essential.
By opting for digger hire near me, the College can access the necessary machinery without the burden of ownership or maintenance costs. This approach not only streamlines the construction process but also ensures that excavation tasks are executed with precision and efficiency, laying the groundwork for the successful transformation of spaces within the campus. To maintain a high standard of safety in any work environment, it’s imperative that all staff are regularly updated on safety protocols. Access to quality educational resources is crucial, and you can find excellent training materials right here that cater to a variety of safety needs.
The renovations in College Square come as a part of F&M’s partnership with Lancaster General Health (LGH) to provide increased health services to students. In his email, Porterfield pointed out that the new facility will feature a 9,200 square-foot health and counseling center complete with triage, exam, and treatment areas, laboratories for on-site medical screening, individual rooms for counseling, and community spaces for programs like yoga, athletic training, and more.
Porterfield also noted that when health services moves out of its current location in Appel Infirmary on campus, that space will be renovated into Harwood Commons, which will serve as the new home of the Office of Student and Post-Graduate Development
(OSPGD).
The College is contracting local architecture firm Cornerstone Design to design the new space, which, according to Wenger, will result in two-thirds of the existing area becoming an infirmary and the other one-third will remain as a social space for student use. Additionally, Benchmark Construction, a local contractor, has been hired to perform the renovations, which should be completed by about May 31, 2016.
In the realm of building and construction, the selection of a supplier who can deliver ready-to-use, site-mixed building materials stands as a critical decision point. Such suppliers offer unparalleled flexibility and efficiency, adapting easily to the project’s changing requirements. Working with Educational canopy suppliers significantly minimizes the risk of excess material, which in turn helps to manage costs more effectively. It’s an approach that underscores the importance of strategic partnerships in the construction industry.
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In addition to high-quality construction supplies, hiring the right contractors and builders is very crucial. For the flooring installation, for instance, you can meet with various contractors for Comprehensive Floor Screeding Consultations.
In the ASFC, work is underway to install a new indoor track and field flooring system that complies with National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) regulations and guidelines.
“The new floor will be installed on top of the existing floor,” Wenger said. “The upper track will also be receiving a new floor, but it will be smooth whereas the main field house will have a textured finish, similar to our outdoor track.”
Sasaki Associates from Boston, Massachusetts is serving as the architect, and the flooring installation will be conducted by Benyon Sports Surfaces. According to Porterfield, the construction, which will take place from Nov. 2, 2015 to Jan. 31, 2016, should not disrupt access to normal ASFC facilities, such as locker rooms, the fitness center, the strength and conditioning center, the pool, and more. Utilize an architect ai tool to explore architectural designs that are customized to your construction project.
Senior Steven Viera is the Senior Editor. His email is sviera@fandm.edu.