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With the opening of the new Gordon Commons dining facility, the demolition of the older building is already underway.
According to the Director of Residence Hall Facilities Mike Kinderman, demolition on the building began Monday, Nov. 19.
The demolition of the old Gordon Commons is a part of what Kinderman termed the resurrection of East Campus Mall.
Kinderman said the initial stage of the project will be the removal of hazardous materials, such as windows and doors. He said the grinding of building materials and demolition of the structure of the building will take place later in the process.
The work that will generate the most amount of noise will be done after students leave campus for winter break, Kinderman said.
“We required the contractor to do any crushing of concrete after winter break,” he said. “We are trying to minimize the [noise] impact there.”
The Director of Capital Projects for University Housing Mark Roessler explained how they have taken precautions to ensure the actual demolition of the building will not be in progress during exam time.
If there are any additional complaints with noise that have not been accounted for the university will modify times for work on the demolition with the contractor, Roessler said.
“The companies we are working with have been very accommodating,” Roessler said. “I don’t think there will be any problems at all.”
The old Gordon Commons borders Johnson Street and Lake Street and Kinderman said traffic routes will experience some change during the course of the project, but it will be very minimal.
The project will not require any street closures, unless some specialty item comes up that needs to be addressed, he added.
However, Kinderman said the parking lane on Lake Street will be closed until Friday, Dec.19. The effect on traffic flow as a result of this lane closure will be little to none, he explained.
The demolition project is scheduled to extend into February, Kinderman said.
“Space is limited in that area until we get the building taken down,” he said.
According to Kinderman, the space of the old Gordon Commons will eventually become a patio directly to the north of the new Gordon Commons Dining and Event Center and a green space for residents of the Southeast Residence Halls to enjoy. He said there will be space for students to throw Frisbees and lay in the sun.
“Any open green space or rec space is only in benefit to any residents that want to use that area,” Kinderman said. “The sooner we can get it done, the better for people in that area.”
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