Roof goes up at student center

A roof will allow interior construction to continue in winter months.

By Rachel Allred

Published Nov. 3, 2009

Construction on the middle section of the student center's roof is underway. Student Life Director Mark Lucas said roofing beams have been laid and construction workers will soon begin placing a steel canopy over the beams.

Placement of the roof marks an important point in the transformation of Brady Commons to the new student center, Lucas said.

"Any day they're going to start putting the roof on," Lucas said.

After the roof is completed, the center will be partially enclosed so interior construction can be conducted.

"The hope is that by this January they have the entire roof covered so they can begin interior work as soon as they enclose everything," Lucas said.

Lucas said most of the exterior work would be completed by the end of winter break, though the walls won't be up until later in the spring semester.

"By the time students come back for second semester they can expect the roof to be done and the building to be enclosed," Lucas said.

Student and Auxiliary Services spokeswoman Michelle Froese said she expects the roof to be completed later this month, though its construction could stretch into December. Placement of the roof is a big step in the completion process, she said.

"I feel like it's a high water mark because it's going to show students how big the dining area is," Froese said. "On the first day of classes we had 140 trucks bringing concrete. That was a big deal. Putting the roof on is another big achievement."

Senior John Gantner works at Truman's Takeout and said he has been able to watch the construction process. He said the roof finally being constructed is a good sign.

"It definitely makes you feel like they're finally making headway," Gantner said. "They're making a lot of progress."

Lucas said having the roof in place and the building partially enclosed will be beneficial when winter weather hits because construction in the interior can still continue, regardless of snow or rain. Froese said she also thinks it will help the progress.

"It shows that no matter the weather, they'll still be doing work inside so they won't get behind," Froese said.

The recent rain has caused a lot of delays, Lucas said. During the rain, some work was done in the lower levels of the structure.

Lucas said though there have been setbacks, he is happy about the progress that is being made.

"It's pretty exciting for me," Lucas said. "I've been working on this for the last seven years. To be so close is pretty exciting for me, and it should be for students too. This is what they asked for."

Gantner said he's been impressed with the speed of construction and it will offer a lot to students.

"It looks like it's been flying up," Gantner said. "It will have more amenities to offer students."

Froese said the contractor working on phase two of the student center is a different contractor than the one who worked on phase one and is doing well.

"This is amazing progress," Froese said. "We are coming along so well. We have a contractor who is staying on top of things."

Lucas said phase two of the student center is still on track to open January 2011.