Tuesday, August 25, 1998
The University Daily Kansan
Section A • Page 3
Visitors center behind schedule
Early November set as completion date
By Molody Ard Kansan staff writer
Construction of the University of Kansas' first visitors center, where prospective students can go for information, is behind schedule.
The $2 million project, which would house the center in the former Templin Hall cafeteria, began last spring and was expected to be completed in mid-August.
However, Warren Corman, University architect, said the center would not open until early November.
Corman said that the University decided to hire Kansas Building Specialists to finish the job, but the company was unable to buy materials because of state regulations.
"We had unrealistic expectations," he said. "It wasn't assigned to a general contractor, and we were building it in-house, but our crews got so busy that it was just impossible for them to finish on time."
"We have been waiting on steel for the front- entrance canopy for the last two months," Corman said.
The visitors center will include a mini-museum of
University facts, displays of current events, an information desk and a 100-seat auditorium. The office of admissions, which is now in Strong Hall, also will relocate to the new center.
Most of the work now is being done on the auditorium, which is new to the building.
"They are putting in doors and frames right now," said Burt Larios, project coordinator for facilities operations. "We still have to build a little stage in the auditorium and put in wall panels, the auditorium seating — which will be one of the last things — carpet, tile and restroom fixtures. We still have quite a lot of work left."
Visitor parking also will increase by 100 spaces with a new parking lot behind the center.
Although work has continued into the fall semester, and students are living in the hall, residents have not had many complaints, said Betsey Hart, Templin Hall resident, front-desk employee and Overland Park junior.
"Last year they were waking people up at 7 a.m., but so far we haven't heard anything," she said.
Because Templin, which was renovated two years ago, will be adjacent to the new center, visitors will be able to tour the hall and see what is planned for several University residence halls in the future.
Hart said that she thought Templin Hall was a nice showcase.
"I think they did a good job with the renovations, but the part I upset about is the second floor. They can't decide if they want to give the second floor to us
Kristi Elliott / KANSAN
or keep it as administrative offices. Right now, it is just empty rooms. We don't have a big lobby with a big screen like the other halls. There are both pros and cons to the renovation."
Left: Men work on the inside of the Visitors Center last in the afternoon.
in the afternoon.
Top: Ed Thurman, left, stoops to get some water. Thurman,
working on the visitors center, was using the stilts yesterday while plastering walls.
Photos by Graham K. Johnson / KANSAN
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