Kylie Hubbard Editor-in-Chief Construction lurked around every corner of campus this summer. But, it’s the best time of year for construction, according to Associate Vice Chancellor for Facilities Services Dave Irvin. “One of the advantages of summer of course is since there is fewer students and fewer activities, it allows us to get in and do a lot of projects that we obviously can’t do during the normal academic year,” Irvin said. “Everything from simple maintenance things to stripping floors and doing in-depth cleaning to more complex projects, whether those are mechanical projects Estabrook was demolished in the Summer 2018 to make way for the new Engineering Complex set to open in 2021. or classrooms.” Lika Perez / The Daily Beacon Eighty-six different campus locations received care this summer, including work on classrooms and dorms, turf replacement in Circle Park and the construction of big-name buildings on campus. Although not completely finished, the road is first home game on Sept. 8. Utility work will “We’re not forgetting the existing buildings,” campus,” Irvin said. “I think it will really make a huge difference to the heart of this place.” open for traffic and is set to be completed soon. take place this fall, and the construction of the Irvin said. “Many of our folks will be in existing The project is on track and is set to open at “What really makes this one the cherry on top, new engineering complex will start during the buildings. They won’t get a chance to move into the beginning of the spring semester in January. if you will, is where the mall crosses Volunteer spring semester. a new building, so it’s important that we upgrade between Hodges and Haslam Business and “(That’s) really an exciting project that’s going those as well.” Lake Avenue Parking Garage Claxton,” Irvin said. to transform that whole portion of campus, not The newest parking garage on campus will Student Union, Phase II The heavily used crosswalk will feature a just with the building, but with the plazas,” Irvin The new section of the Student Union seems add a little over 1,000 parking spaces on campus. paved, checkerboard pattern to promote pedes- said. “It’s a building that has a green roof and The garage will also serve as a partnership to be on everyone’s mind, and Irvin says its trian friendliness on campus. some additional food service, great terraces that between the university and the city of Knoxville. progress is coming along nicely. “I think it’s going to really cement us making look over the Tennessee river. It’s really going to On nights and non-football weekends when “It’s going to be a great facility,” Irvin said. “It this campus a pedestrian oriented place, and I transform the south side of the Hill.” has a beautiful living room that looks out toward parking is not needed greatly by the university, think it’s going to be a very special place,” Irvin With a completion date of fall semester 2021, Cumberland, some great meeting rooms, a lot of the parking spaces will be available for free for said. “It’s our way to try to embrace the tradition Irvin said the changes will transform the way visitors on the Cumberland Avenue strip. space for student organizations.” of UT.” engineering students spend their time at UT. “(It) is a great way for us to help those busiAlong with the open spaces, the new section “We’re going from Pasque, for example, that Engineering Complex offers Rising Roll, a dining service similar to nesses and help that collaboration,” Irvin said. was a former steam plant and so we’re going The south side of The Hill may look different Panera, and Steak ‘n Shake. A ballroom will also Volunteer Blvd. Streetscape from having classes in a former steam plant to at the start of this school year. be made available, and many parts of campus Volunteer Boulevard from Peyton Manning Estabrook, along with Pasque and Berry, will move to the building once it opens. Pass north to Cumberland Avenue began receivSee Summer Construction on Page 4 “(It’s) just the kind of space to meet and ing a facelift as the third phase of the landscap- have been demolished, and debris has started to be removed, all of which will be gone by the hang out and interact that we’ve never had as a ing project this summer.
Summer construction paves the future for UT
Volume 136 Issue 2
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Thursday, August 23, 2018