Author: Jeremy Childs
Although there were projects completed in the residence halls this summer, some problems were left unaddressed. The elevators in Berkus Hall experience mechanical issues that ended up generating smoke and causing the fire alarm to go off multiple times, and there are still elevators across campus that are in need of inspection as of seven months ago.
“We have no in-house expertise for elevators, so we use a third-party contractor,” Director of Facilities Thomas Polansky said.
Amtech, the company that works with Facilities, inspects the elevators about once every month. Some additional testing occurred this summer as well.
“Over the summer, there was a load test done by Amtech, which is performed every five years,” Polansky said. Facilities made no comment regarding the fire alarm problems or the necessary inspections on other elevators on campus.
Although there seems to still be some issues, some major improvements have been made in E. Norris Hall, where brand-new balconies opened to residents for the first time in over a year.
“They were closed down all last year because the banisters were deemed unsafe,” Norris Resident Advisor and Latin American Studies major Christina Crittenden (junior) said.
The safety of the Norris balconies first went under evaluation after an incident during the 2011-2012 school year in which a student fell off one of the balconies. However, it was not until this past summer that money was allotted to proceed with the remodeling.
The renovations required a complete overhaul of the balconies. According to Facilities Management Senior Lead Ed Cornell, the balconies were rebuilt with higher railings and stronger bases. New sliding glass doors were also added.
“We’re hoping [the balconies] last us at least 20 years,” Associate Director of Housing Services Michelle Saldaña said, adding to Cornell’s comments.
Other summer renovations included the repainting of Tower C of Berkus Hall and the acquisition of new common room furniture.
“Every year we try to change out the furniture in the common area of a residence hall,” Saldaña said.
As for upcoming renovation plans, Polansky revealed there are already projects set to begin once residents move out this winter.
“We have some work planned for Braun updating the heating and air conditioning units. That’s for winter break, and that’s the biggest work during the school year,” Polansky said.
Nothing is currently lined up for next summer’s renovations. Potential candidates include the bathrooms in Chilcott, Braun and Stearns.
“Ideally, we would renovate all three together,” Saldaña said. However, cost assessments and budgeting need to be determined before any details are finalized.
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