The Norman Hall rehabilitation project is making great progress, with the new conference center expected to be done early in July. According to a construction update from Scorpio, new drywall has been installed and is currently being painted while other finishes are put in. Next steps include installation of the ceiling tile grid, as well as tile in the bathrooms and piping in preparation for the new air conditioning.
A Sustainable Future
Part of the Norman Hall rehabilitation project includes energy and environmental sustainability. Norman Hall will be designated a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold-certified building, the second highest designation available. Jason Diven, project manager with Scorpio, states that “all of the air conditioning systems and all the electrical systems have been designed specifically to use less energy altogether.” Norman Hall will pave the way for the future, both in its inhabitants and in its structure.
Beware of Birds
On April 12, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) received a complaint from UF Environmental Health and Safety of birds — later identified as hawks — in a tree near one of the major sidewalk routes around Norman Hall. The hawks were swooping at passersby, including faculty, staff, students and construction crew.
UF Environmental Health and Safety called FWC again on April 15, when a wildlife assistance biologist gave the caller safety techniques and general protocol for dealing with the hawks. A site visit from FWC the following day resulted in recommendations for signs and barricades to keep the public away from the nest. Since these signs were put up, no other issues have been reported.
Remember to keep a watchful eye for these signs, as the hawks can be very dangerous.
