Case Western Reserve University volume xlvi, issue 22 friday, 3/20/2015
the
Observer
Stalled:
New dorm will not be finished at start of next year as planned
Julia Bianco News Editor
Students were shocked to hear that the new residence hall, located at the North Residential Village and designed to house 290 upperclassmen, would not be opening until two weeks into the fall semester. The building’s completion was delayed due to the extremely cold weather of January and February. Residents will be housed in hotels for the first weeks of the semester, before beginning a phased move-in into their new home. Initially the building was supposed to be at “substantial completion” on Aug. 1, meaning that the building is ready to be turned over to the university, who then brings in furniture and equipment. However due to the extreme weather in February, the building won’t be at substantial completion until Aug. 31. Then with 10 days for moving in, the university estimates that it will open on Sept. 12 at the latest. If possible students may move into the building in phases, with some of the students being able to move in earlier. The contractor notified the university of the problem on Feb. 27. They then met with the contactor on March 4 and looked over options to accelerate construction, including a six-day work shift, 10-hour work days and temporary winter protection like plastic sheeting and temporary heating, but none of the options would have pushed up the completion enough. According to Stephen Campbell, vice president for Campus Planning and Facilities Management, the contractor planned for weather days where they would not be able to work, but, with this February ranking as the coldest in Cleveland in the past 140 years, they were blocked more days than expected. “Usually it freezes and thaws,” said Campbell. “The laws of physics worked against us in this case.” The freezing temperatures prevented them from being able to pour concrete on topping slabs on different floors of the build-
Andrew Hodowanec/Observer Harsh winter conditions resulted in delays for the construction of the new residence hall. University officials hope that it will open after classes start next fall. Displaced students will be put in hotels. Above photo shows the construction progress as of Feb. 18.
August Planned
Opening timeline:
August 1: Substantial completion
Actual ing, which precedes all the other work, including bricklaying. Once they knew that the residence hall would not be ready in time for the start of the semester, university officials met to discuss options. “We wanted to develop plan B options to accommodate students with minimal disruption,” said Campbell.
August 15: Students move in
September
August 24: Classes start August 24: Classes start
After university officials determined that the delay would only be for a few weeks, they decided that housing students in local hotels would be the best option. University officials said that in their research they did not find any other universities which had had faced this exact problem, but they did see that other institutions who had to find ways to house overflow
August 31: Substantial completion
September 12: Students move in
students until more permanent solutions could be found also used hotels.
to Stalled | 3 For The Observer’s take, see page 7.
Girl Scout cookies with drinks to match
Tiffany Cheung Staff Reporter
Event: Girl Scout Cookie & Wine/Beer Tasting Party Location: The Jolly Scholar Time: March 21, 10 p.m. to March 22, 2 a.m. Price: $10
The Jolly Scholar is known for its unique theme nights, drink selection and cheap prices. But on Saturday, March 21, the popular Case Western Reserve University bar will be bringing a popular treat to students: Girl Scout Cookies. From 10 p.m. on March 21 to 2 a.m. on March 22, the bar will host its first-ever Girl Scout Cookie and Wine/Beer Tasting Party. Since this event will be serving alco-
hol, it will exclusively be for people who are 21 and over. Entrance to the event is $10 for students. For those who have never been to a tasting before, there is usually an expert who acts as guide to the tasting process. The Scholar has hired a Sommelier and Cicerones expert (or wine and beer expert) to help guide guests’ taste buds on this tasty experience. The expert will talk everyone through pairing specific wines and beers
with the chosen Girl Scout Cookie. The expert will also tell you why the pairing was chosen and what effect it should have on you. Matt Vann, owner of the Jolly Scholar, believes that the event will be unique for students. “[It will be] interesting for customers because many haven’t been to a tasting before,” said Vann.
to Girl Scouts | 9
News
A&E
Opinion
Sports
pg. 2 K$L: Less money, mo problems
pg. 11 Band brings glitter, glam
pg. 7 Residence hall hell
pg. 19 Winter sports terrific ten