Crews have begun installing yellow sheetrock over the fireproofed steel beams of the center's southwest corner.
The Feb. 1 snowstorm, which shut down most of Abilene for four days, had its affects on the Royce and Pam Money Student Recreation and Wellness Center, as well.
Work on the facility was set back four days because of the icy conditions, pushing the projected opening into the first week of September, said Dr. Jean-Noel Thompson, vice president and dean of Student Life.
“Our goal is to have the certificate of occupancy in mid August,” Thompson said. “In terms of moving in for a turn-key opening, we’re looking at the end of August or the first week of September.”
The original completion date in ACU’s contract with the site’s contractors was Aug. 1, with leeway built in for weather delays to push that deeper into the summer. Thus far, weather — including this month’s historic ice, snow and bitter cold — has delayed the project between nine and 13 days, Thompson said.
With warmer, sunnier days here again, construction has resumed its seemingly frenetic pace. Crews continue to erect steel beams all over the facility in hopes of placing the last beam before the end of the month. Here is a brief update on where construction stands as of Wednesday:
Northwest corner
- Medical and Counseling Center for Care
- Near Teague Special Events Center
Steel framing has begun forming the facility’s medical space, with fireproofing materials following shortly behind. Work on cast stone and brick continues in this area, which remains the furthest along — at least by appearances from the exterior.
Southwest corner
- Basketball gym, running track
- Near Moody Coliseum
Work continues on installing bricks and cast stone, and the second floor, which includes the elevated running track, continues to take shape.
- Main entrance
- Near McGlothlin Campus Center and Chapel on the Hill
Crews continue to erect steel framing in this area.
- Pools, bouldering wall, offices
- Faces ACU Drive and the Hunter Welcome Center
Steel framing continues to go up here, capping with the placement Friday of the top-most beam in the facility, the reason for tomorrow’s topping out ceremony. Crews continue to cover the steel with fireproofing material, the grayish white substance that now covers many of the beams visible at the site. Structural concrete for the second floor will soon be poured, and crews have begun installing drywall in what will be the facility’s classrooms and faculty/staff offices.
Northeast corner
- Locker rooms, showers, racquetball courts,
- Near Eager Tennis Pavilion
Steel is going up in this area, as well, with roof installation to begin shortly.