Several large construction projects will be underway as new and returning students arrive on campus. The projects began early to mid-summer and are scheduled to be finished mid-September but may run into January.
There are three major construction zones on campus. The most noticeable zone is in the area that was formerly the McCormick/Clark parking lot. The area has been is fenced off and the parking lot has been eliminated to create more grassy area, improved walking paths and more street-side parking.
“The finished product probably won’t be done until mid-September sometime, possibly even early October,” Director of Facilities Management Cindy Schuppert said. “They might be working on either ends and there might be some landscaping but it will hopefully be open for pedestrian traffic.”
Scott Hall also received attention this summer as construction crews worked to convert space on the second floor to accommodate more classrooms and to put in an elevator to make the building handicap accessible. Although the elevator isn’t scheduled to be open to students until the last week of September, the university is working with the City of Forest Grove and the construction crew to ensure that the upstairs classrooms are accessible to handicap students.
Schuppert said the classrooms in Scott should be open to students by the first day of classes.
“Scott Hall will offer more classrooms so I think that will have a large impact,” said Schuppert.
Lastly, construction in Strain Hall is partly finished and will be fully finished during spring semester 2016.
“Instead of a bunch of smaller labs it will be shared lab space and it will be bigger spaces,” said Schuppert.
While construction wraps up, facilities asked that students stay clear of all fenced areas and have patience with the progress the crews are making.
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