The University of Lethbridge Facilities Department is gearing up for another productive construction season this summer.
Redevelopment of the campus's western parking lots is set to begin in a few weeks, beginning with the creation of a new entranceway at the northwest corner of Lot E.
This is just the beginning of the project that will give a facelift to Lots E, F, FS and G along Anderson Hall and the 1st Choice Savings Centre. The result will be more practical parking and the addition of environmentally sustainable and aesthetically pleasing landscaping.
The revamped design of the parking lots includes bio swales (drainage) and windbreaks, along with improved lighting, security and safety measures for vehicle and pedestrian traffic. The design also addresses storm water management and drainage issues to prevent occurrences such as the flooding that took place in July 2008 at the Wellness Centre.
The $2.5 million project will be completed over the summer. Parking access will be provided away from construction while the project is underway.
Construction of the University Quad just north of Markin Hall is also on the summer construction agenda. The public greenspace will feature small rolling hills, plants, water gardens, benches, connecting sidewalks, and other amenities. The project should be completed this fall.
In early May, the start of construction for a new Sports Medicine Clinic in the Wellness Centre PE100 will begin. The clinic will house four physicians and related support services with space for physiotherapy, exam rooms, a treatment area and offices for doctors and administrative staff. The project should be finished by the end of August.
Upgrading to the existing mechanical and electrical systems in the centre core of the Wellness Centre will take place from May to September. Construction will work around events such as Spring Convocation and the Alberta Summer Games to avoid any disruption of these activities. Renovations of Levels 0, 1 and 2, including the southeast entrance to the Wellness Centre will also take place at this time.
While under repair, the Physical Education Tunnel will be closed from June 4 until late September.
Meanwhile, the third phase of the Aperture Park housing facility is proceeding ahead of schedule. Concrete work is expected to be completed by late fall with the building scheduled to open in July 2013.
Other planned summer projects include replacing weeping tile along the Breezeway, upgrading the HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) systems, and compartmentalizing firewalls and upgrading the fire alarm system in University Hall.