Construction of U of R's College Avenue campus buildings inches closer to completion

Construction for the University of Regina'sCollege Avenue campus renewal project, which began more than 18 months ago, is nearly complete, university officials say.

Theconstructionis85 per cent complete and everything is on schedule, according the the university.

"People will be shocked, I think, and dually impressed with how it looks," said Dave Button, vice-presidentof administration at the University of Regina.

The university revealed its design for the campus renewal project a year ago, although workhas been underway since August of2016.The campus is now expected to reopen to studentsin September.

The total cost of the project isestimated at $60 million including a $27.6 millioncontribution from the Government of Canada's Strategic Investment Fund and $8.25 millionfromConexusCredit Union.

Nearly all structural renovations are completeon the College Building, Tower Building and the Conservatory Building facade.

"The only reason we've had such great success is because of our relationship with the entire industry here in town from the architects, the engineers, the builders and the trades on-site," Button said.

"The true success will be when we open the doors," said Button.

Something old something new

The group of university buildingsdate back as far as 1912 andadditions were being built intothe1960s.

Button saidthe biggest challenge for crews has been connecting the College Building to a new structure, which was necessary because the Conservatory and Gallery Buildings were in a deteriorated state.

Both of those buildings which housedthe university's continuing education and music programs were demolished.

New structures will be fully erected in order to continue the previous U of R programming, and the Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policywill also share the space.

Although preserving the site's original architecture was important, Buttonsaid the architectural team wanted to incorporate a few modern twists.

Many of the archways, main corridorsand windowfinishings have been preserved with protective treatments.

New buildings

On the west side of the College Building, thenew structure will contain boardrooms, classrooms and washrooms. It will fill the spaceresulting from the demolition of the Conservatory and Gallery buildings.

Button said the second edifice being erected to the east of the College Building is expected toincrease safety and accessibility. Additions includefire exit stairs, washrooms and an area containing mechanical and electrical utilities.

The next phase of the renewal plan involvesDarke Hall, where exterior work has already been completed.

According to the Button, about $3.5 millionhas gone into repointingthe building's front brick and stone, andrestoring the front doors and windows. Additionally,the stone steps have been brought up-to-code and the slate roof was replaced.

ConexusCredit Union will also be constructing a building adjacent toDarkeHall, but that will notbe completefor several years.