The Cal Poly that freshmen see today may differ greatly from what they see upon graduation, since big changes are underway in the form of new and ongoing construction projects around campus.
Besides the two major construction projects visibly in the works – Poly Canyon Village and the Center for Construction Excellence – two other projects are already in the pipeline: the Recreation Center expansion and the new Center for Science and Mathematics.
Thanks to a mild rain season, both Poly Canyon Village and the new Center for Construction Excellence projects are ahead of schedule, according to Johan Uyttewaal, associate director of Facilities Planning.
Poly Canyon Village consists of two phases. Phase one is complete and awaiting final punch list inspection and will be open to students in September. Phase two is complete on the exterior, needing only interior drywall, electric, plumbing and paint, and will open in September 2009. Once finished, the state-of-the-art 2,700-bed complex will include two parking structures, a pool, dining, retail, studying and recreation facilities.
“We’re just finishing up interior work on phase two, but it will take another year or so,” Uyttewaal said.
The new Center for Construction Excellence project, located next to the Engineering West and Graphic Arts buildings, includes construction of a new 58,000 square foot structure and partial renovation of the Engineering West building. The center will include state-of-the-art instruction and demonstration labs for construction and architecture students. Installation of equipment and labs will take place this summer, and both buildings will be open in the fall.
The Center for Science and Mathematics is first in line of future projects. The project includes demolition of the northern portion of building 52, replacing it with a multi-story, modern structure that will house 29 laboratories, 10 classrooms, student and faculty research space, offices and conference rooms, as well as meeting updated safety and disability requirements. The net result is that math and science courses will take place in cutting-edge classroom environments. Plans are being generated, and staff, architects and the construction team are in the final steps of the design process. The project is expected to start later this year, and will last approximately 30 months, according to Uyttewaal.
The Recreation Center expansion, voted into effect last quarter, is still in the early stages of development. The university is currently seeking an architect to design plans for the expansion, which will essentially double the amount of space available for students’ recreation. In addition, the expansion will meet LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification, ensuring the highest standards of environment sustainability.
Once an architect is chosen, plans are drawn up and approved, and the job goes out for bid by construction companies. However, this process alone will likely take in excess of a year, according to Uyttewaal.
Along with the Rec Center, efforts are being made to improve already existing buildings around campus through LEED certification. The first building marked for certification is Faculty Offices East, which is in the final process of retrofitting. This includes replacement of water fixtures and installation of energy-conserving features such as solar-tinted windows, among other things.
“Things are going really well; we plan to submit paperwork for LEED certification by the end of this month,” said Cheryl Mollan, project manager for Facilities Services. “We plan to certify other buildings as well. It’s a great way to promote sustainability and it shows Cal Poly’s interest in using natural resources and thinking environmentally.”