Lot
11 structure almost done completion
By
Ramzy Saleh
Online Forty-Niner
Contributing Writer
The much needed parking structure in Lot 11 is in the final stages of construction,
scheduled to be completed by the end of summer, and should be open to students
in the upcoming fall semester.
Planning began for the new structure three years ago. However, construction
began just last June.
Originally, the plan called for two parking structures, but university planning
officials settled for one because the construction prices skyrocketed, resulting
in a 30 percent increase in the cost over the past three years since planning
began.
When completed, the cost for the structure will be around $22 million. Because
parking is not state funded, the entire cost of construction is financed by
the university.
The university chose Bonel Construction for the job.
“
Our hats off to the contractor,” said Scott Charmack, associate vice
president for Physical Planning and Facilities Management. “They have
done an excellent job. We are very pleased with them.”
The structure is in the final stages of development. Concrete phases have been
completed, elevator towers are being finished and all that is left is the two-month
project for completing the exterior and landscaping, will begin May 1.
When finished, the structure will be four stories with approximately 1,400
spaces. It will have elevator access as well as stairways to each level. Also,
there will be two university shuttle stop locations adjacent to the structure.
Students are anticipating relief in the parking dilemma once the structure
is open.
“
I think with the new structure, parking will be better,” said Karina
Jumenez, a studio art major. “Right now it’s hard to get parking
at certain times.”
Sarah Long, a health science graduate student, is lucky because she works on
campus and was able to get an employee permit, which offers her more parking
options.
“
One perk of taking a job on campus was to get a free employee parking permit,” said
Long.
However, she welcomes the new structure because an employee parking permit
is not assured to her each semester.
The university plans to update the parking master plan which considers parking
needs based on enrollment and demand.
From this, the university can conclude whether it will needs additional structures.
The last time the master plan was updated was in 2000.
“
If the campus continues to grow, the question is not if but when we will need
a new structure,” said Charmack.
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