The wait is over.
After months of continuous construction, the keys to the new living and learning center have been officially handed over to Baker University.
“It’s two weeks ahead of schedule,” Gary Walbridge, director of the physical plant, said about the construction of the new facility, which is located on Seventh and Dearborn streets.
Throughout the summer months, site superintendent David Waddle said crews have been busy working on the interior of the structure.
Waddle said about 45 employees worked to finish up the electric, plumbing and other inside necessities. Many of them worked from 6:45 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. Others spent their weekends at the site.
Throughout the construction process, Waddle said weather has caused some delays.<br/>"It caused problems at first, but now it seems to be cooperating a little bit more," Waddle said."It caused problems at first, but now it seems to be cooperating a little bit more," Waddle said.
“It caused problems at first, but now it seems to be cooperating a little bit more,” Waddle said.
Walbridge said the weather did not stopped the workers from finishing up the project.<br/>"The weather has been challenging," Walbridge said. "But (workers) have not let that slow them down.""The weather has been challenging," Walbridge said. "But (workers) have not let that slow them down."
“The weather has been challenging,” Walbridge said. “But (workers) have not let that slow them down.”
Associate Dean of Students Teresa Clounch said the project is on schedule. <br/>"We're ready to go," she said. "We're still meeting biweekly to make sure everything is on task." "We're ready to go," she said. "We're still meeting biweekly to make sure everything is on task."
“We’re ready to go,” she said. “We’re still meeting biweekly to make sure everything is on task.”
Clounch said students will be able to move into the living and learning center upon arriving Aug. 23. Athletes will move in sooner.<br/>Many entering freshmen have shown interest in living in the new residence hall, Clounch said.Many entering freshmen have shown interest in living in the new residence hall, Clounch said.
Many entering freshmen have shown interest in living in the new residence hall, Clounch said.
“Some students have said they want to live in the living and learning center,” she said.
"We've let them know there's a limited space."<br/>By the end of June, Irwin Hall was completely full and the majority of Gessner Hall was occupied. By the end of June, Irwin Hall was completely full and the majority of Gessner Hall was occupied.
By the end of June, Irwin Hall was completely full and the majority of Gessner Hall was occupied.
“There will still be a wing of Gessner for women,” she said. “We’re just looking at making sure we can find a space for everyone.”
Until students arrive, Clounch said the construction site will be busy, as workers will be putting on finishing touches.