Education Library to Re-Open August 20
Work in the Education Library is moving along with the re-opening date set for August 20, just before the beginning of the fall semester. This will be a welcome addition back to the Norman village, both for the regular use of the library and for classroom space in the coming year. The college is very thankful to the library for the support (and space) as the work at Old Norman continues on.
A Welcome New Feature
Following recommendations from a task force specifications for interior finishes to a lactation/nursing room are being completed to coincide with the Education Library re-opening. The room will be located on the first floor of the library with a key available for check out from the circulation desk.
Patience is Appreciated
Punch list items remain in the planned facility changes and improvements to New Norman as students, faculty and staff continue to settle in. We appreciate everyone’s patience, especially with the very noticeable fluctuations in the air conditioning system. A mechanical engineer is working with UF personnel to implement new solutions to improve airflow and temperature. Other items on the list will be addressed by the construction team once the Education Library is re-opened later this month.
On Schedule
Work in Old Norman is proceeding on schedule. Most of the areas containing asbestos (e.g. mechanical rooms) are abated and undergoing selective demolition. While much of the noise from demo inside the building has not been much of an issue to occupants of New Norman, a change is coming soon. Work on demolishing the loading dock area will begin in coming weeks. Since the work involves heavy machinery close to the courtyard, please expect vibrations and noise in parts of New Norman.
As work continues, remember to exercise caution around the construction area and allow extra time to get where you need to go within the temporary Norman Hall footprint.
Interesting Finds
Two items of interest, or at least note:
- A small tunnel between Digital Worlds and Norman Hall originally designed as a pathway for utilities will be unearthed and filled in.
- A diesel generator that provided backup power to the original Old Norman elevator will be removed along with a tank of diesel fuel.
LEEDing the Way
The Norman Hall Rehabilitation project is on track to achieve LEED Gold certification. The LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) rating system indicates the degree to which a building and its construction process creates a healthy, highly efficient, and sustainable environment. The renovated building will use less energy and water. Systems to support positive human health such as bike racks, showers and high-quality air are just a few ways LEED Gold will be achieved.
Another area of great importance with LEED is the removal and reuse of building materials typically destined for the garbage dump. Nearly all of the debris leaving the building is being sorted and sent to locations for recycling and reuse. For example, pallets of old ceiling tiles were recently sent to the Armstrong company where they will be shredded and used to make new ceiling tiles. On a local level, multiple non-profits collected furniture and reusable doors, hardware, etc to use in local projects.
Again, Patience is Appreciated
Construction is a trying time even when all is going well. Fall semester is sure to bring unforeseen challenges as we teach across campus, hunt for parking and learn the new room numbering system. Thanks for maintaining a positive spirit. Cooperation by everyone is always appreciated.
As always, please let us know if you have any questions.
