Daniels Rooftop. Construction of the ventilation ductwork on the rooftop of Daniels continued last week. The ductwork adds to the perceived height of the building when seen from ground level. On the rooftop itself the large cross-sectional area of the duct is obvious. This ductwork is a major aspect of upgrading ventilation in Daniels and Mathews. It is great to see it expanding around the periphery of the Daniels rooftop.
New Tower. A new steel structure is now nearly complete atop the tower. This framework will hold cosmetic panels that shield from view the air handlers and exhaust fans on the ninth and tenth levels. On the east side, the steel framework will support glass and aluminum panels like the ones below on floors four through eight. This provides a distinctive look at the corner of Mills Street and University Avenue, extending vertically from the main entrance to the very top of the building. On the west side of the structure, the ninth floor is set back from the edge of the exterior walls and will be plainer in design, providing visual enhancement but not extending the appearance of the walls above the learning studio and first-floor atrium.
Inside the tower the most obvious change is installation of studs for interior walls, but work on mechanical features such as ventilation ducts, plumbing, and electrical facilities also is ongoing. The laboratories, classrooms, corridors, and lecture rooms are now partially enclosed on lower floors, making it easier to envision how the spaces will appear after the building is complete.
Loading-Dock Area. A large excavation has been made in what used to be a parking area just north of the loading dock and liquid nitrogen storage area. Last week workers poured concrete for footings of an acid-dilution basin whose purpose is to reduce concentrations of solutes in water leaving the building before the water reaches the city sewer system. Until well into July, this large excavation will affect access to the loading dock and egress from Daniels. Then the acid dilution basin will be covered and earth will be backfilled into the excavation, restoring the parking area.
Fire Protection. Fire-protection work on the fifth floor continues this week and next. In Shain tower, work begins on the seventh floor this week.
This information is up to date as of Monday morning. Email bulletins will be provided as needed.
We are indebted to Jeff Nielsen, Gerald David, and Miron Construction for photographs in this report.
John Moore and Bob McMahon