Campus Renovation
Fens Renovation
Fens Expansion Project Construction Impacts
Please read below for a detailed phase by phase summary of the upcoming Fens Expansion project and anticipated construction impacts. Look for additional updates at each phase or feel free to contact Cheryle O'Sullivan, Senior Project Manager at cheryle.osullivan@simmons.edu with any questions about the project.
February 11 through February 15
- Mobilization and Temporary Protection
- Temporary walls will be constructed along the exterior wall of the Fens (to be done after regular operating hours between 11:00pm and 7:00am). Construction fencing will be installed around the construction work area.
Major Impacts:
- No access to upper and lower terraces by the College Center and Fens.
- Loss of approximately 25 seats inside the Fens along the exterior wall.
- Loss of most natural light within the Fens.
- Minor increase in noise and dust.
Note: The exterior stairs and ramps at both ends of the College Center (at Palace Road Building and Lefavour Hall) will remain open and accessible at all times during construction.
Mid-February through mid-March
- Exterior Demolition and Foundation Building.
- Demolition of the lower Fens terrace, excavation and pile driving for the Fens addition.
Major Impacts:
- Increase in construction noise levels especially during pile driving which has been scheduled for the week of Spring Break.
- Limited intermittent vibration in the MCB during heaviest demolition and pile driving.
- Increased dust generated outside. The contractor is required to contain the dust as much as possible.
- Intermittent "rotten egg" odor during excavation of organic soils.
Mid-March through early May
- Foundations and Steel Erection
- Installation of some plywood protection along exterior wall of the College Center, steel reinforcement installed on the College Center level, concrete foundations and new steel erection begins for the addition.
Major impacts:
- Restricted use of some areas of the College Center along the exterior wall and loss of some seating.
- Slightly less noise than previous phase.
May 19: Fens closes.
- No food service in the Fens. Alternative food service will be provided.
- The Fens Advisory Committee has been created to explore alternative foodservice and dining options during construction. This information will be made available towards the end of March.
Mid-May through June
- Demolition at Fens and College Center and East Wing elevator upgrade begins.
- Temporary walls will be constructed at the exterior wall of the College Center.
- Existing exterior walls at both Fens and College Center will be demolished.
- Construction of the addition begins.
- Mechanical equipment will be installed on the existing College Center roof.
- Existing east wing elevator will be demolished. New utilities will be installed at the loading area adjacent to the College Center.
Major impacts:
- Fens dining closed.
- Faculty/Staff Dining room closed.
- Men's and women's restrooms in the lower level of the Fens closed.
- Foodservice in Java City will be limited.
- Significant noise and vibration during heavy demolition.
- Limited natural light in the College Center due to the temporary partitions.
- Limited seating available in the College Center. Pedestrian access only.
- East Wing elevator not available.
- No access to interior Fens lobby.
- No access to exterior exit door adjacent to the Fens.
- Intermittent limits to pedestrian access in MCB loading area due to installation of utilities.
- Work in the basement corridor adjacent to shipping and receiving may cause some disruption to occupants in spaces on the ground floor of the east wing of MCB.
July through mid-August 08
- Interior Construction and Finishes
Major Impacts:
- Limited construction noise.
- East Wing elevator remains out of service.
- College Center seating remains limited.
- Fens remains closed.
Mid-August 08 through Labor Day
- Furniture delivery and installation, equipment start-up and testing
No Major Impacts
- Full access to the College Center is restored.
- East Wing elevator back in service.
