The newly reconstructed Peterson Hall 3 will begin hosting select classes on March 28.
The science-building project began in February 2008. The four-level, 164,000 square-foot building will feature six telescopes, a greenhouse, and up-to-date safety regulations.
“This was the largest design build project that a CSU school has ever done,” senior construction manager at Cal State Long Beach Mark Zakhour said.
The total cost for the project is estimated at around $100 million. The project, paid for by a general obligation bond from the state, is expected to be complete March 11.
The current classes in Peterson Hall 1 and 2 will be move to the Peterson Hall 3 building.
“[PH-1 and PH-2] will be used as ‘surge space,’ or storage rooms for faculty offices, until further plans are made,” said Sue Brown, director of physical planning and construction management at CSULB. “It all comes down to funding.”
In addition, the out-of-date science building was not up to seismic and ADA (American Disability Act) codes.
“Seismic rules were different in the ’50s,” said director of laboratory facilities Robert Loeschen. “If you do any upgrades, the entire building has to be up-to-date with codes.”
Zakhour said the renovation of the building could cost more than the complete reconstruction because of the way the buildings were built nearly 50 years ago.
“If a building can’t be remodeled for 75 percent of the cost of replacement, then replacing the building will probably be chosen,” Loeschen said.
About 125 construction workers have been working non-stop through the holidays since the project began in February 2008.
Zakhour said the only big issue was an unexpected suspension for four months in December 2009 due to the “budget crisis.”
According to inspector of record Ed Puga, all of the building’s interior work is complete. He said the next couple of months will consist of exterior site work and commissioning of the building — testing everything from the fire alarms to the equipment.
According to Brown, the next big project will most likely be Liberal Arts 2, 3 and 4, where classrooms will receive seismic retrofitting and more technology, like air conditioning. Brown said she hopes construction will begin by the end of 2012.
Disclaimer: The Daily 49er is not responsible for Postings made on www.daily49er.wpengine.com. Persons commenting are solely responsible for Postings made on this website. Persons commenting agree to the Terms of Use of the website. If Postings do not abide by the Rules of Conduct or Posting Regulations as listed in the Postings Policy, the Daily 49er has all rights to delete Postings as it deems necessary. The Daily 49er strongly advises individuals to not abuse their First Amendment rights, and to avoid language suggestive of hate speech. This site also encourages users to make Postings relevant to the article or other Postings.