Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Ceremonies to mark construction milestones at USI
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UPDATE: In case of rain, the ceremonies will be held under the University Center Conference Center ("The Bridge"). A topping off ceremony and a groundbreaking are planned at the University of Southern Indiana at 2 p.m. on April 30, 2009. The events, to be held in the quad between Rice Library and the Liberal Arts Center, will mark construction milestones for the Business and Engineering Center and the expansion of the University Center. The Business and Engineering Center and the University Center also line the University′s quad. During the topping off ceremony, the last steel girder will be hoisted in place on top of the Business and Engineering Center, a custom of the construction industry to recognize the efforts of the building′s construction workers. Beginning Monday, April 27, the ceremonial steel will be located along a sidewalk near the Business and Engineering Center for students, faculty, staff, and others to sign. Immediately following the topping out ceremony, a groundbreaking for the University Center expansion will take place across the quad. Representatives from USI student organizations will turn the first dirt. The $31 million Business and Engineering Center is expected to open in 2010. The new building will provide dedicated and shared classroom and laboratory space for the Department of Engineering and the College of Business. The design was purposeful allowing each program a distinct identity, yet overlap, to enhance teaching and learning and offer new opportunities for collaboration between programs. The building′s project architect is Hafer Associates of Evansville, and Hellmuth, Obata & Kassabaum (HOK, Inc.) of St. Louis is the associate architect and design firm. The $17.7 million University Center expansion will include a redesign of the original library building, demolition of the University Conference Center link between the former library and the current University Center, and construction of a large conical-shaped tower. The new University Center will open in 2011. The architectural firm of Holzman Moss of New York City designed the new structure. Project engineers for the University Center are Hafer Associates of Evansville. Kathy Funke News and Information Services 812/465-7050 or kfunke@usi.edu |
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