Building construction enters final lap

July 9, 2009

The Academic & Research Center (ARC) is really shaping up, with all primary utility systems in place and most of its drywall and laboratory work benches installed. Outside, stately brickwork covers nearly the entire building – more than 85 percent, according to project manager Dick Planisek.

Planisek said that, at this steady pace, the contractor expects to meet the original completion date of October 1.

Workers are still laying bricks on the main entry on the building’s northeast corner, and on the three bridges—two of which will be enclosed—that now connect the building to the College of Osteopathic Medicine’s Irvine Hall and to Stocker Center, home of the Russ College of Engineering and Technology. By the end of July, all exterior brickwork will be in place, and front and rear driveways will be added.

Inside, drywall is up and almost ready for painting. Tile covers many of the floors and some walls, and carpeting will follow soon. Workers have installed primary electrical, plumbing and heating/cooling systems. Now they are adding finishing touches, such as light fixtures, electrical outlets and switches, air diffusers and sprinkler heads.

Air conditioning has been running for several weeks, which lowers the indoor humidity to allow for installation of wood doors, paneling and work benches. Following the October completion date, systems will be tested and furniture moved in.

The ARC, designed by the architecture firm Burgess & Niple, will support integrated medical education and research by students and faculty from both the College of Osteopathic Medicine and the Russ College of Engineering and Technology. Occupancy is expected by the beginning of winter quarter, 2010. A grand opening ceremony is being planned for late spring quarter, 2010.