More Questions (and Answers) About the Addition to Grainger Hall

See renderings of how Grainger Hall will look after the addition

How much (and how long) is construction likely to affect the inside of the present Grainger Hall?

The tentative schedule calls for temporary stairs to be built on the east side of the building over the summer. No further internal remodeling is scheduled until January 2008. The goal is to have the addition constructed, the temporary stairs removed and the addition connected to the original section of Grainger Hall by May 2008. All people and programs should be in place when classes begin in fall 2008. This is a tentative schedule, since bidding and construction are not totally predictable, but we are optimistic that this will be the general timeline.

What will be happening outside Grainger Hall?

The current courtyard will be the staging area for construction of the addition and temporary loading dock, so the courtyard will be closed this summer and the courtyard wall and loading dock will need to be removed. The building at 905 University Ave. will be removed, probably starting in July, and construction of the five-story addition to Grainger Hall can then begin. The Park Street exit from the Grainger Hall parking ramp will permanently close once construction begins. (This general area will become Grainger Hall’s new loading dock.)

What can we expect in terms of noise and general disruption during construction?

It is a big challenge to remodel an existing building in a way that disrupts on-going activities as little as possible. The Zimmerman Design Group has made an effort to minimize the disruption to Grainger occupants by a proposed construction schedule that has work being done outside the existing Grainger Hall until January 2008.

Throughout construction, the School of Business will work with contractors to minimize the effects on those who work and study in Grainger Hall. Anyone with questions, concerns or suggestions about the project is encouraged to contact Melissa Amos-Landgraf, assistant dean for administration.

Remind me again, what can we look forward to when the addition opens?

• Centralized student services for undergraduates
• Expanded Business Career Center
• New Copy Center
• A new 250-seat dining facility on the first floor, overlooking the courtyard
• Centralized student services for the full-time MBA program
• Dedicated space for each of the MBA career specializations
• Enhanced space for the Executive MBA and Evening MBA programs
• Centralized stairs for easy access between all five floors
• Storage for School of Business departments, units and centers in a new basement
• A wider sidewalk at the corner of Park and University

How Will the Grainger Hall Addition Be Environmentally Appropriate?

The addition is being designed to meet or exceed today’s standards for sustainability. Special features include: no net gain in storm-water runoff, high-efficiency building systems, use of recycled materials and incorporating daylight into more than 90 percent of the new space.

Have a question on the Grainger Hall Addition you’d like addressed in the School of Business Gazette? Send it to Lari Fanlund.