Pitt State campus undergoing extensive renovations

PITTSBURG -- The campus of Pittsburg State University is typically quiet during the summer, but it is quite the opposite this year.

Area construction crews are continuing work on $30 million worth of building and maintenance projects at PSU, including construction on a new student health center and the construction of Lindburg Plaza; renovations of historic Porter Hall; and other major improvements to PSU residence halls.

"We're trying to take advantage of fewer students on campus when everything is quieter," PSU spokeswoman Cassie Mathes said.

PSU officials said that during challening economic times, it is important to note that funding for each of the projects was previously secured through a number of sources, including the state's Repair and Rehabilitation Fund, deferred maintenance money, bond revenues, and private donations.

Mathes said there is not usually as much activity taking place on the PSU campus during the summer as there is this year, but PSU officials felt the timing was right to get work done on many of the university's planned projects.

"Everything just sort of fell together at once," she said. "We're finishing up projects that have been in the works the last couple of years and taking advantage of some state money."

Mathes said about 200 construction workers are currently working on projects on the PSU campus. All projects are either being performed by the Columbus, Kan.-based Crossland Construction Company, or contracted out by Crossland, Mathes said.

"A number of construction jobs have been created," she said.

According to a PSU news release, projects that are going on this summer at PSU include:

* Construction of a $3.1 million, 11,500-square-foot student health center which will house PSU's physical and behavioral student health facilities. Employees will begin moving supplies and equipment into the building in July. An official ribbon cutting ceremony is scheduled for September.

* Construction of a new 200-bed dormitory complex that will consist of five three-story buildings, one of which will feature a commons area with an office, recreation area and mailroom. The project opened for bids June 9, and construction will begin in early July. The $10 million project is expected to be complete by August 2010.

* Several major renovation projects on existing dorms. Work on Bowen Hall is expected to be complete by Aug. 7. Other dorms are also scheduled for renovations totaling about $12 million. Much of the work on these buildings will continue over the next few summers.

* Construction of Lindburg Plaza, which began in late May and is scheduled for completion by Sept. 11. Part of a $4 million construction package aimed at improving and expanding existing campus parking, Lindburg Plaza provides a pedestrian link between the Oval, Gibson Dining Hall, and the south dormitories. The plaza includes expanded green space, improved lighting, additional plantings and cul-de-sacs at the intersections of Elm and Locust streets. The project also includes the paving of gravel parking lots on campus.

* The refurbishing of Porter Hall, one of the first buildings on the PSU campus, with scaffolding and masonry work. Windows will be replaced starting Monday and new roofing is in progress. The first phase of the $3 million project will be complete by Aug. 7. The second phase includes upgrades to the building's heating and air systems.

* Kelce Hall and Grubbs Halls are receiving partial roof replacements. Work is scheduled to be complete by Aug. 7. Crews are also replacing 11 rooftop air conditioning units at Kelce Hall later this month.

* The installation of new windows and/or doors at Kelce Hall, Shirk Hall, Trout Hall, Bowen Hall and Tanner Annex.

* A $300,000 project to makeover the bottom floor of the Wilkinson Alumni Center. The banquet room will be expanded and a new office suite will be created for the Office of Advancement Services. The project also includes new lighting, ceilings, flooring and wall finishes, and will be complete by mid-August.

* A project to replace an underground steampipe on campus, and a project to replace a chiller used to cool portions of two campus buildings.

Also slated to be done this summer is a project to replace the concrete on the main walkway of Cleveland Plaza later this summer with pavers. Several PSU office suites are also scheduled for upcoming remodeling and expansion projects. Mezzanine bleachers and field house doors at the Weede Gymnasium will be replaced this summer. Nearly 500 new bleacher seats with backs will be installed by mid-July, along with the new doors.