The full spectrum of construction professionals could be seen scurrying about the Compton Union Building last week as large-scale renovation continues on track for the August 11, 2008 reopening.
“We’re ahead of schedule by a couple weeks,” CUB Project Coordinator Travis Duncan said. “From the outside, a lot of people don’t see what’s being done. It’s really taking shape.”
With an average daily crew size of 160 and a price tag of $86 million, the project is no small ordeal, Duncan said. “They gutted that building. Every pipe, every wire came out.”
Upon completion an extra 30,000 square feet will be added to the 240,000 square foot complex. New entrances will be installed, including a new elevator and stair tower to connect the north side of campus to the first floor of the building. Other major changes include: relocation of the Bookie to the CUB, more student lounge space, and more restrooms.
Worker guides down a dumpster lifted to the roof of the CUB by crane.
The renovated CUB will also be the first WSU building to receive Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification. The LEED Green Building Rating System was created by the U.S. Green Building Council (usgbc.org) and is a “nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction, and operation of high performance green buildings”. In order to be LEED certified, a building must meet criteria in five areas: sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection, and indoor environmental quality.
Low-flush toilets, increased energy efficiency and operable windows are a few of the steps WSU will take towards the making of a greener CUB.
A robotic demolition machine chisels away concrete in the newly excavated CUB basement.
Worker caulks a door frame on the 3rd floor of the CUB.
A new elevator and stair tower being built on the north side of the CUB.
Workers stack materials on the north side of the CUB.
Worker looks over building plans.
Wiring hangs from the third floor ceiling where finish work has already begun.
Crews cut and lay down new roofing material above the CUB ballroom.
A worker replaces brick where a window was removed.
Worker clears concrete debris in preparation to pour new columns in the CUB basement.
Crews remove old CUB roofing material.
