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KU completes first deferred maintenance project, repairs to Wescoe's first floor

KU has completed its first deferred maintenance project in time for the beginning of the fall semester.

Workers have repaired or replaced heaved floor slabs, the mechanical system and associated partitions and electrical service on the first floor of Wescoe Hall. Construction in the east wing of the first floor re-established classrooms and offices for the Classics department.

New features on Wescoe's first floor include an Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant entrance at Wescoe Drive, windows that bring daylight into a previously windowless environment and energy-saving lighting systems.

Occupants were moved into the new areas by Aug. 15, and fall classes are being held in the new classrooms.

The work on the first floor is the first phase of a $4.9 million project to address the failing mechanical system in Wescoe Hall.

"On behalf of the university community, I want to express our thanks to the legislature and Gov. Kathleen Sebelius for making the funding for these critical projects available," said Chancellor Robert Hemenway. "These improvements will help ensure the safety of everyone on campus, as well as help us provide the best possible education to our students."

In 2007, the Kansas Legislature approved about $400 million to address maintenance backlogs on campuses across the state. KU will receive about $39 million over five years. In conjunction with the deferred maintenance funding, $3.4 million in other funds marked for repairs and rehabilitation were used to replace the floor slabs in Wescoe.

The second phase of work to replace failing mechanical systems on the third floor of Wescoe began in June and will be completed in December. The third phase of the project, to replace ventilation systems on Wescoe's second floor, will begin in January 2009, after occupants are temporarily relocated, and will be completed by June 2009.

Faculty, staff, students and visitors to KU should be aware of several changes to Wescoe during the upcoming semester.

-- The east wing of Wescoe's third floor will be closed during the fall semester, except for pedestrian access to the elevators via the third floor's west entrance.

-- Lot 18 south of Wescoe will continue to be used as the contractor's staging and storage area until the entire project is completed. -- Construction work will occur between 4 p.m. and 2:30 a.m. to minimize disruptions during the academic workday.

Another deferred maintenance project under way is the first phase of a three-year, $11.4 million project to repair and upgrade the university's deteriorating underground utility tunnels, which house utility lines and steam pipes that heat buildings. Workers are replacing a section from Watson Library to Dyche Hall. Jayhawk Boulevard, which was closed for much of the summer because of the construction, reopened to traffic Aug. 11.

TOPONYMS:

Moore Hall, at 19th Street just west of Iowa, is headquarters for the Kansas Geological Survey. It is named for Raymond C. Moore, state geologist, KGS director and a distinguished professor of invertebrate paleontology at KU for more than 45 years. He joined KGS and KU in 1916 and was with the university until 1962. The modern brick structure was dedicated in February 1973. For more, visit www.buildings.ku.edu.