April 23, 2008: From the roof of Pearson Hall looking east, the beginnings of structural steel framing on the west wing is revealed.
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June 17, 2008: The steel skeleton of the west wing near completetion.
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Since the beginning of April, progress on our new building has been rapid and visible even to the casual observer. Our project manager reports that about 200 people are at work on the site on any given day.
Work on the east wing has progressed furthest. All interior and exterior walls have been framed and the roof deck is installed. Masons are placing the brick façade of the David R. Taylor Auditorium. By the end of May, all branch electrical, plumbing and mechanical work should be completed on the interior of the east wing; all exterior windows should be installed, and the wing should be water-tight. This will enable the crew to begin work on interior drywall and finishes in June.
The central wing of the building is next in the sequence. Metal stud framing has begun in the core and will follow the same sequence of construction as for the east wing.
To date, the west wing area has been used for access to the basement and is consequently the last in the sequence of work. Exterior foundation walls are now being framed and poured in this area so that structural steel can be erected and completed for the entire building.
All structural steel will be in place this summer. The project remains on schedule for a summer 2009 completion and is within budget.
The east wing with auditorium space to the right. At extreme right, the scaffolding is in place to allow masons to install brick veneer.
Looking westward at the east wing, progress on preparing exterior walls for brick veneer is evident.
The north side of the central wing shows structural steel is complete and is being fire-proofed. Also visible, is scaffolding at three places on the roof where masons are laying brick for chimneys. The chimneys are not simply ornamental; they will be used for mechanical ventilation and are connected to air handling units.
Learn more about this amazing project—including plans, photos, and other accounts.
