UNL renovations improve campus, but can be inconvenient

While construction workers hammer away on several projects on City and East Campus, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Facilities Management and Planning works just as hard to keep projects from becoming problematic for students.

Current major projects include the Jackie Gaughan Multicultural Center near the Nebraska Union, the Physical Science building on 16th Street, the housing complex on 17th and R streets, and the 19th and Vine streets parking garage. Construction also includes the Whittier building renovations on Vine Street and renovations on East Campus.

"The smooth execution of any construction project requires planning in advance," said Ted Weidner, assistant chancellor of Facilities Management and Planning. "Good planning requires investigation of potential problems, clear and complete communication by the project manager, and adequate notice of interruptions when they cannot be avoided."

During the summer, the university coordinated with the City of Lincoln to successfully replace a water line serving the west part of City Campus. Also, during construction, street lanes are often closed to keep construction from interrupting traffic flow.

Despite facilities' efforts, campus construction can still become an issue for students.
"It can be really annoying walking around construction to get to class," said Alex Dyer, a freshman history major. "I understand that construction is a good thing, but it sucks that I might not be here when it's finished. Some of these projects will take longer than three or four years, and I won't ever see them."

Recently, the university began landscaping improvements to the Enright Garden, surrounding Mueller Tower in the center of City Campus. Several other projects will also begin popping up this year.

"The Board of Regents approved a renovation for the Nebraska Athletics Student Life Complex in Memorial Stadium, and we hope they will approve, at their next meeting, an expansion of the Devaney Center," Weidner said in an e-mail.

Other possible developments include the demolition of the Reunion building on 16th and W streets, which will be developed for Campus Recreation and research grant construction projects funded by federal stimulus money.

To keep construction out of the way and to protect students' safety, the university requires contractors to fence in work areas. Sometimes, projects cannot always be done inside the perimeters, and in that case contractors have workers act as flagmen to keep students and others at a safe distance, Weidner said.

"It's important for students to obey the construction barriers for their own safety; this helps the construction run smoothly," he said.

Cassy Davidson, a junior business administration major, has become accustomed to construction on campus, she said.

"So far, there haven't been any problems with the construction," Davidson said.
"I think it's good they're trying to improve the campus as much as possible, but I know there are some things that could probably be worked on ahead of other things. For example, the East Campus (recreation) center, which will probably collapse in the next couple years."

Since buildings often need repairs and maintenance, construction on campus constantly continues. Even though the university works to keep projects from becoming major inconveniences, day-to-day nuisances are inevitable.

"The University of Nebraska-Lincoln is fortunate to have all these construction projects," Weidner said. "It's a sign of change, improvement and growth. It's also a sign of the success the faculty have in their research, instruction and service efforts. It is my hope that students and others recognize this and find a way to enjoy the minor interruptions the construction might cause."

For construction and traffic advisories and other information regarding construction sites on campus, visit fmp.unl.edu.

Courtneypitts@dailynebraskan.com