The Progression of the Hall of Science

CSULB has been tracking the progression of the Hall of Science construction through the use of daily and weekly time lapse videos since July of 2008.

The archive of official time lapse videos can be viewed here. The site will continue to update with videos showcasing the growth of the building until its completion in May 2011.

In addition, I personally utilized the online camera, stationed on the roof of the neighboring Peterson Hall of Science 2, to make a time lapse video that chronicles construction from Oct. 22, 2009 to Nov. 30, 2009.

Numerous Developments Campuswide

CSULB has been tracking various improvements across campus, from entirely new buildings being placed, like the Student Recreation and Wellness Center, to a simple renovation of the staircase in the library.

A detailed construction map, that can be accessed here, locates where such construction projects are occurring and who is funding them. Primarily department funded projects, each task has importance, including minuscule reworkings like replacing doors on the USU.

Here is a quick rundown of what is either still in the works, or recently been completed:

Comparing the SRWC to Fullerton's Recently Added Rec Center

The CSU system is undergoing what some may refer to as a boom in construction projects. In fact, just last year, California State University, Fullerton completed work on a new Student Recreation Center similar to that which is currently being built on CSULB's campus.

According to Fullerton's original audit report, "The Student Recreation Center is a two-story, 95,000 gross square foot facility, containing a three-court basketball gymnasium, with features for volleyball, badminton and various other sports, and an elevated running track. The facility also includes a two-story lobby with a climbing wall, two racquetball courts,three multipurpose rooms for group exercise activities, a spinning room, cardio room and theater, weight room, locker rooms with shower facilities, administrative offices, and an outdoor lap/recreation pool and lounging deck."

Cal State Long Beach provides a briefer description, but runs along the same lines when it states, "The Student Recreation & Wellness Center (SRWC) will be a 125,000 square feet facility with fitness programs, aerobic classes, rock climbing walls and 8 basketball, volleyball and badminton courts total."

With 30,000 more square feet, CSULB seemingly holds the upper hand in area consumption. However, since Fullerton's Rec Center has already opened its doors, unique features have been unveiled, like a "Spin Room" designed for spinning bike classes. For more information on Fullerton's completed Rec Center, go here.

Comparing blueprints, favoritism can be deduced on a personal preference basis:


[Above photo courtesy of Cal State Fullerton official website]

Behind Green Tarps

At nearly 10,600-square-feet, the addition to the Nursing Building cannot go unnoticed by passers-by, going so far as to redirect pedestrian traffic to the opposite sidewalk.

The $4.3 million project has been running smoothly since its groundbreaking ceremony two weeks ago, as reported on this blog. The addition has been groundbreaking indeed, since there has not been an upgrade to the nursing building since 1975.

CSULB created an official press release that explained the specific structure of the new building by stating it will "call for a steel brace frame with steel decking and metal studs. The exterior of the addition will be a combination of thin brick, aluminum storefront and glass windows and stucco plaster, matching the existing nursing building. Sustainable features will include natural daylighting, materials with high recycled content, waterless urinals, low-flow plumbing fixtures and higher rated insulation."

For a physical look at what is going on behind those green tarps, view pictures here:

A Photographic Update on Construction of the SRWC

With a simple trip down Palo Verde Avenue, it can easily be concluded that a large building is being erected near Lot 11 on east campus.

As this blog has detailed in the past, the Student Recreation and Wellness Center is following a strict construction schedule. To understand what has been accomplished so far, view the following slideshow, which is composed of recent pictures taken on site, and provided by CSULB's official website.

[View hard gallery here]

Breaking Ground on the Nursing Addition

A groundbreaking ceremony took place last Wednesday, Oct. 28, in honor of the start of construction on the addition to the current nursing building located on west campus.

Although now just a mound of dirt in the former Lot 2, near the Soroptomist House, the building is taking the first step toward what is projected to be a 10-month construction process. CSULB hopes to officially open its doors by August of 2010.

Prospects are in the air as talk continues to grow in regards to the advancement of education for the nursing department. Last month, the Daily 49er reported a lack of space for nursing students, stating that "the department currently has about more than 1,000 students and two classrooms that can seat only 30 students each."

Moreover, as many jobs face great decline in employment due to the current economic crisis, health and human services have yet to experience such troubles. U.S. News reported that registered nurses and physician assistants are among the top 30 best careers for 2009, claiming they have "staying power" thanks to their perpetual demand. With recognition of such facts, the addition may prove its utility for future students.

Hall of Science Reaches New Stage of Construction

The Hall of Science has finished placing structural steel and is currently in the process of building the exterior and beginning sitework and landscaping for the building.

According to a project schedule provided by CSULB, these stages of work will not be finished until January of next year. In the meantime, passersby may notice the uprising of brick walls which will eventually surround the final product, as noted in predictive pictures like the one seen here. In addition, the on-site camera accentuates permanent staircases that currently provide use for construction workers.

To follow exactly what those workers are doing, the following is directly how the official website explains the building's progress:

• July-October 2009 — Structural Steel
• October 2009 - January 2010 — Build-out of building exterior
• October 2009 - January 2010 — Sitework, Landscaping
• November 2010 - May 2011 — Systems commissioning, complete punch-lists, start-up of equipment
• January - October 2010 — Interior build-out and finishes
• May 2011 — Completion

See the following photos to document the building's current state and note that it coincides with the above schedule:



[Photo courtesy of CSULB]