WVU Parkersburg prepares for construction project

WVU Parkersburg campus preparations begin for renovation project.

CONTACT: Wayne Riley, chief procurement officer and capital projects coordinator, 304-424-8263.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Construction preparations begin this week on a $2.9 million renovation project at West Virginia University at Parkersburg.

The project is a campus enhancement initiative regarding the institution's north classroom tower of its main building. As the first stage, a construction fence will be erected early this week and through traffic will no longer be possible on the roadway in front of the main building. The classroom tower entrance will be closed for the duration of the project except for emergency egress.

In addition, preparations to dismantle and remove the sidewalk canopy in front of the main building commence Thursday and Friday, (Dec. 8-9). Work will begin at the classroom tower's upper entrance canopy on Thursday and the main building entrance on Friday. Handicapped parking in front of the building will be unavailable both days. Faculty, staff, students and visitors are asked to use other entrances/exits, such as the "banana wing" (faculty wing) or College Activities Center.

Before the canopy is dismantled, its "ceiling" tiles will be removed. The tiles contain minimal amounts of asbestos and appropriate precautions are being taken in the removal process. The areas will be blocked off with plastic sheeting and workers in protective suits will bag the tiles and dispose of them. Following the tile removal, the canopy is expected to be torn down within two to four weeks.

Once the canopy is removed, the next phase of the construction project will begin. The college's three-story classroom tower houses stairways, classrooms and lab space. The structure has experienced some settling of its foundation over the years. The construction project will include stabilizing the soil moisture around the tower's foundation as well as renovation of the tower.

The renewal will create a new focal point for the college. It is part of a continuing initiative to enhance the campus and its grounds.

The project is expected to be completed by fall of 2006.

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For additional information, contact:
Connie Dziagwa
WVU Parkersburg
Executive Director
Institutional Advancement
304-424-8203