Construction Updates
Work Progressing on New Multipurpose Academic Building, Student Center Renovation
September 27, 2012
Until now, most of the work on the new multipurpose academic building and the Student Center renovation project has occurred behind a green construction fence. That changed this week, when a large crane could be seen lifting an excavator over the Student Center to place it in the building's courtyard, where it is being used in the recently-begun demolition work. Over the course of the academic year, the courtyard will be enclosed by a vaulted ceiling to create a new area that will add 200 seats to the dining hall.
Meanwhile, the initial site excavation for the new academic building is complete. Concrete foundation work will begin soon and, once completed, will allow for the installation of structural steel to get underway sometime in mid-November. The goal is to top out the steel structure by Christmas.
As the banners on the construction fence promise, the project will be ready for students in Fall 2013. To meet this goal, an aggressive construction plan is in place, and work is progressing on schedule. Thanks to the entire Marist community for its cooperation during this exciting and important project.
Work Underway on New Academic Building and Student Center Renovation
August 23, 2012
Students returning to campus for the new semester will find work well underway on the new academic building and the renovation of the adjoining Student Center, a project that will greatly improve the college experience of all Marist students.
The new, multi-purpose academic building will house the Music Department and related programs, but it will be used by students and faculty of all disciplines.
The Student Center renovation will enhance the entire building, including the Performing Arts Room, Nelly Goletti Theatre, Student Government Association Office, and an expanded and completely renovated dining hall, which will involve enclosing the open-air courtyard.
In addition, the renovated Student Center will be much more environmentally friendly and energy-efficient thanks to significant improvements to the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, as well as a new glass curtain wall. The decision to renovate rather than demolish and build anew will itself greatly reduce the project's environmental impact.
The project is designed by the world-renowned firm of Robert A.M. Stern, the same architect who designed the Hancock Center. The new academic building will include: three classrooms, a band rehearsal hall, a choral rehearsal and recital hall, nine practice rooms, a string ensemble room, a music library, a piano lab, a computer lab, a conference room, and four faculty offices.
An added bonus of the new academic building is that it will open up additional student activity and meeting space on the ground floor of the Student Center.
Most Student Center functions will continue their normal operations during construction.
This transformational project is scheduled to be completed in the fall of 2013. For project updates, watch this space and follow Marist on Twitter and Facebook.
Construction of a New Academic Music Building and Renovation of the
Student Center
July 10, 2012
Construction of Marist's new academic music building is scheduled to begin within the next few weeks with completion planned for August 2013. In order to begin excavation for the new building, a large oak tree on the east side of the student center must be removed. The oak tree, which is likely the oldest tree on campus, has been deteriorating for many years and is within the footprint of the new building. If possible, wood from the tree will be reclaimed to memorialize its importance to the campus through the years.
Planning for this large, complex project has been going on in earnest over the past sixteen months, involving representatives from the following departments, offices, and committees: academic affairs, faculty affairs, student affairs, information technology, the Student Government Association, dining services, alumni, and the Board of Trustees. The planning process for this project was guided by a keen awareness of and commitment to sustainable practices as evidenced by the inclusion in the project of features such as a vegetative roof and rain garden for storm water control and energy efficient lighting, windows, curtain wall, and appliances.
The Construction Manager for the project is Daniel O'Connell's Sons from Holyoke, MA, which was selected after a rigorous review of proposals that involved people from throughout the College community. The architect for the project is Robert AM Stern Architects, (RAMSA), the same firm that designed to much acclaim the Hancock Center, McCann Center addition, and the new campus gates. RAMSA was also selected to provide planning services for our Master Plan update after a separate competitive proposal process that included responses from many notable international architectural firms.
The approximate start dates for project phases occurring this summer are:
- July 11 - Site preparation
- July 23 - Installation of project fence
- July 23 - Installation of project office trailers
- July 30 - Relocation of waterline
- August 20 - Foundation excavation
By the start of the fall semester, the site fence will be in place and temporary sidewalks and building exits will be installed. Throughout the academic year, construction will progress on the new building, and wherever possible, work will begin in the student center. Please be aware that there will be construction activity in the middle of the campus throughout the year and that construction vehicles will be using campus sidewalks throughout the day.
This site will be updated regularly with new information, including relocation plans for offices that will be displaced by the construction.
In the meantime, if you have any specific questions regarding the construction activities, please email them to construction@marist.edu.