Despite
obstacles, parking structure to be
built on time to be done on time
By
Terran C. Odell
Online Forty-Niner
Contributing Writer
As temperatures crept into the mid-80s last week, crews were hard at work on
the parking structure being constructed on campus.
The structure under construction in Lot 11 at Cal State Long Beach has been
progressing according to schedule and is expected to be completed by Aug. 30,
2006.
Currently, crews are preparing to pour concrete for the first deck of the four-story
structure. A major sewer line running through the area has recently been successfully
moved.
Pouring the first deck is the next major step the campus can expect to see.
Work has been going safely and smoothly, and no injuries have occurred thus
far during construction.
Associate Vice President of Physical Planning and Facilities Management Scott
Charmack said construction crews have been working hard, even working some
Saturdays to ensure the deadline is met.
The contractor is doing everything to complete the project on time and as close
to the beginning of Fall classes as possible, Charmack said.
With the rainy season approaching, Charmack said weather should not push back
the completion of the project. It is typical for the construction schedule
to include a certain number of rainy days, he said.
“
It’s a doable schedule,” Charmack said.
Thus far construction crews have encountered soil problems but have successfully
dealt with them.
Charmack also said crews have had minor problems, but with any construction
project, problems are inevitable.
Another major problem associated with the construction of the parking structure
has been the cost. According to Charmack, during the time from design to bid
alone, the cost rose one-third.
This, coupled with the rise in cost of materials, altered the original plan
of constructing two structures connected by a bridge. The second structure
has since been cancelled and, for now, only one structure will be built.
Upon completion, the structure will look similar to the current parking structure
next to The Walter Pyramid. The new structure will be four stories tall in
order to avoid obstruction of skyline views of neighboring residents.
“
We’re trying to accommodate our neighbors,” Charmack said. Being
neighbor-friendly has been a major concern of President Robert C. Maxson, Charmack
said.
Charmack expects the $22 million project to be completed to university standards
and said, “We have a good contractor.”
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