http://www.valpo.edu/pps/cz/This is the Construction Zone Newsletteren-ushttp://www.valpo.edu/www.valpo.edu/pps/cz/index.html#Fences Will Be Movinghttp://www.valpo.edu/www.valpo.edu/pps/cz/index.html#Fences Will Be MovingMany changes have taken place on campus during the summer, but perhaps one of the most startling changes for returning students was to see the reappearance of fences marking construction sites on the east side of campus.  These fences are temporary and will be moved in the early weeks of the semester. The fences define work areas for the creation of new sidewalks that are being constructed as part of the first phase of work that will extend the “loop road” along the east and northern edges of campus. Relocation of sidewalks and preliminary landscaping is being done this fall in preparation for work on the road that will begin next spring.  Included in the project is creation of a new northern entrance to campus near Scheele Hall that will be much like the campus entrance on U.S. 30. No entrances/exits to campus buildings are blocked by the fences, although some foot traffic may be redirected temporarily.  The fences will be removed as soon as work in that area is completed.  Initial work will focus on the pedestrian traffic pattern from Wehrenberg to Urschel halls and then will move to the area near Gellersen Center within the next week or two.08-28-2008http://www.valpo.edu/www.valpo.edu/pps/cz/index.html#Union Exterior Nearly Completehttp://www.valpo.edu/www.valpo.edu/pps/cz/index.html#Union Exterior Nearly CompleteWhile fences went up to mark new construction sites, they came down from around the new union, which will bear the name of recently retired president Alan Harre.  The exterior of Harre Union is nearly complete, and landscaping around the building included installation of sod to aid in quickly establishing a lawn. Inside the building, most of the flooring is down and doors hung.  While painting continues, crews are installing new equipment and preparing for the arrival of new furniture later this fall. The project is on schedule to allow dining services and other offices to occupy the building during the semester break and to begin use of the building with the start of the second semester.  Formal dedication ceremonies are scheduled for January 31.08-28-2008http://www.valpo.edu/www.valpo.edu/pps/cz/index.html#Brown Fieldhttp://www.valpo.edu/www.valpo.edu/pps/cz/index.html#Brown FieldDuring the summer, the sod on Brown Field was replaced with a synthetic surface that will allow increased use of the field.  The field is now marked for soccer practice and matches as well as football, although soccer matches will continue to be played at the Eastgate field.  The playing surface at Brown Field was moved north several feet to accommodate construction of an all-weather track around the field, which is planned for the next phase of this project that also includes plans for lighting the field for night use.  Brown Field also sports a new scoreboard with video capabilities.  The field will be rededicated in ceremonies during Homecoming.08-28-2008http://www.valpo.edu/www.valpo.edu/pps/cz/index.html#Parkinghttp://www.valpo.edu/www.valpo.edu/pps/cz/index.html#ParkingLot 43 west of Guild and Memorial halls was rebuilt during the summer and the lot has been marked to create a revised traffic pattern. While the entrance to the lot remains on the east, the street on the east side of the lot has been widened making exit from the lot much easier. Sidewalks in the area were made wheelchair accessible and new lighting was installed. As with other recent projects on campus, asphalt used on the parking lot included recycled tires. With the removal of construction fences around Harre Union, parking Lot 13 north of the building has been restored. A former driveway is now incorporated into the parking area. Signage at the lot is scheduled for completion this week.08-28-2008http://www.valpo.edu/www.valpo.edu/pps/cz/index.html#Safetyhttp://www.valpo.edu/www.valpo.edu/pps/cz/index.html#SafetyLocks to the main entrances to all major campus residence halls are now keyless. Students living in the residence halls now can gain entry through the use of their identification cards rather than carry a key to the building. Campus safety also has been addressed with installation of a new fire alarm system in the Chapel of the Resurrection.08-28-2008http://www.valpo.edu/www.valpo.edu/pps/cz/index.html#Residence Hallshttp://www.valpo.edu/www.valpo.edu/pps/cz/index.html#Residence HallsSeveral restrooms have been remodeled in Brandt, Alumni, Scheele and Lankenau halls. Hallways in those buildings also have new carpeting, and lounge furniture was either replaced or reconditioned.08-28-2008http://www.valpo.edu/www.valpo.edu/pps/cz/index.html#Environmental Stewardshiphttp://www.valpo.edu/www.valpo.edu/pps/cz/index.html#Environmental StewardshipIn addition to the use of recycled tires in asphalt, several other summer projects were environmentally friendly. New lighting fixtures are designed to minimize light pollution and a new retention pond will be constructed east of Wehrenberg Hall to reduce the flow of runoff water and the flow of pollutants into the watershed.08-28-2008http://www.valpo.edu/www.valpo.edu/pps/cz/index.html#Planninghttp://www.valpo.edu/www.valpo.edu/pps/cz/index.html#PlanningWork is expected to begin next spring on relocation from the University’s Mail Center from the extreme western edge of campus near Heritage Hall to the far eastern edge of campus. The new location of the Mail Center will be in a building near the baseball stadium. The Board of Directors also has authorized the hiring of a construction manager to assist in the planning for an addition to Gellersen Center that will provide additional laboratories and classroom space.08-28-2008