| Renovation
of BSB First and Second Floor Lobbies
The
Schedule of Events...
Construction of the Children’s
Research Institute includes a major renovation of the first and second
floor lobbies and main entryway to the Basic Sciences Building. Included
in the project is a monumental staircase connecting CRI and BSB. The
staircase will be located at the north side, or to the back, of the
existing BSB elevator lobby, up to the second floor of BSB and CRI.
At the second floor there will be a steel and glass handrail around
the stairwell and a connecting hall into CRI. The first and second floor
lobby renovation will rework all finishes —floors, doors, walls,
ceilings and light fixtures. The work will include asbestos abatement
and renovation of the first floor elevator lobby and entryway from the
west set of double doors (near the Office of Research Development) to
the east set of double doors (near the existing Food Service). On the
second floor the renovation will include the elevator lobby and down
both the north and south halls to the first sets of double doors to
the east and west.
Perhaps the most noticeable mechanical upgrade will be the rework of
the elevator controls. Work on the west bank of elevators is currently
in progress and should be completed by the end of October. It is estimated
by the contractor that this upgrade alone will provide more efficient
elevator service from the two new elevators than we have had from the
four elevators in the recent past.
How will we get
to our offices, labs and classrooms?
Tunnels will be built in the areas under construction. The tunnels are
for your use and protection during the asbestos abatement and the overhead
rough-in and mechanical work. They will be constructed so that you will
have a safe pathway to areas on the first and second floors. The configurations
of the tunnels will change as work is completed. For instance, they
will direct you to the east bank of elevators during the rework of the
west bank and then be reconstructed to access the west bank during the
rework of the east bank of elevators.
Will the lobbies
be closed completely?
At this time, it is anticipated that the second floor elevator lobby
will be closed from about Dec 21, 2002 until March 10, 2003. Prior to
Dec 21, various tunnel configurations will be constructed on the first
and second floors for protection from asbestos abatement and overhead
work. The first floor elevator lobby will not be completely closed until
the second floor lobby is reopened.
The first floor elevator lobby is scheduled to be closed, from about
March 15, 2003 until June 15, 2003. Again, various tunnel configurations
will be built prior to this time to facilitate the asbestos removal
and overhead rough-in work. The stairwells beyond the double doors,
to the east and west of the main lobby will remain accessible. The stairwell
slightly to the east of the main elevator lobby will be accessible as
long as possible.
Will there be
handicap access to BSB during the renovation?
Yes. A temporary handicap ramp will be built at the east end (dental)
entrance to facilitate access to the east end elevators.
What about the
Food Service and other first floor lobby conveniences?
In late October plaques, bulletin boards and signage will be removed
from the first floor elevator lobby, but the furniture and Food Service
will remain in place until after exams (Dec 21, 2002). At that time
the lobby will be cleared of all items and services so that additional
tunnel construction and construction can proceed.
Interim and permanent food service options for BSB are being studied
at this time.
Will the stairs
be accessible?
One set of main lobby elevators and all stairwells will be accessible
until March 15, 2003. Once the elevator lobby is closed, access to the
stairwell that is just east of the main elevator lobby (next to the
existing Food Service) will remain accessible from the east hallway
for as much of the renovation project as possible. At some point, the
small area that connects the east hallway to the stairwell will have
to be closed to complete the renovation.
What about special
events and concerns my group has about this renovation project?
Mac McClinton, the CRI Construction Project Manager, and I are available
to meet with any group or individual to outline the renovation project
and answer questions about particular concerns. I can be reached at
the following email address to schedule a presentation: kendallk@musc.edu
or by phone 876-5021 or MUSC pager 11824.
Leslie Kendall
Research Operations Administrator
Office of the Provost
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