Science quad construction continues

The cold and wet weather has not hindered the construction progress of the new science buildings and science and engineering quad around Shelby Hall.

"We are in the structural stage," said Tim Leopard, assistant vice president for construction. "There's a lot of concrete being poured. They are actually putting up the concrete columns."

The project, approved in 2006, has a $74.6 million price tag. Most of the cost was to be covered by federal funds, but the funds were lost last year when the Democratic Party took control of Congress.

The University received a $29 million grant from the National Institute for Standards and Technology, and the University is financing the rest of the project with bonds, said UA spokeswoman Cathy Andreen.

The additions are set to open in 2009 and will house several courses including science in motion, computer science, chemical and biological sciences. The building will also have a wing dedicated to research.

Leopard said the new building will modernize the science courses and manage the increasing student population.

"If you go into the labs and other rooms in Lloyd Hall, you will see that they are outdated," Leopard said. "This new structure will replace that program."

The construction has not stopped students from their classes in Shelby Hall because a pedestrian plan was drawn up before construction began.

"We constructed multiple passages with lighting," Leopard said. "We knew it would be a busy area. We came up with a plan that would give structured access to students while separating them from construction traffic."

Some students said they are excited to see the finished product and tour the building.

"I am graduating in December, and I'm hoping that the building will be complete by then," said Leslie Dunn, a senior majoring in economics. "I know I would have a class in that building, but I want to be able to see the inside. I'm just curious."

Melanie Carlton, a sophomore with an undecided major, said she is more anxious for the University to be done with construction.

"It seems as though we are always building something or renovating something else," Carlton said. "I realize that we are having increased enrollment and that new facilities are needed, but when will it stop? As soon as the new Shelby additions are finished, I bet the University will start adding on to the stadium."

Collin Matthews, a freshman majoring in civil engineering, said he is excited about the structures and what it means for the campus.

"These new buildings mean that we are growing. We are growing financially and we are attracting more students," Matthews said. "It's a very exciting time to be a student at the University of Alabama. I'm excited to see what our administration will come up with next and what direction we will go."