Neal Hall. Photo courtesy of Lake Land College.
Summertime is typically the best time that a college/university has to complete renovations and improvements, since it requires time to complete, as well as causing a major disruption. The goal is to cause as little disruption as possible, considering not that many students take courses during the summer. The renovations began immediately after the Spring Commencement. However, many unforeseen events may cause the renovations to overlap into the fall semester.
During the summer, Lake Land College (LLC) has many different projects going on simultaneously. The major one is currently occurring at Neal Hall. The other ones took place at the Laker Fieldhouse. Those projects include both the women’s basketball and volleyball programs having locker rooms, men’s basketball locker rooms being refurbished, the floor at the Fitness Center being replaced and the athletic trainer, Nichole Ogilvie, receiving her own space.
Kimberly Wellbaum, the current Facilities Coordinator, mentioned that the on-going overhaul at Neal Hall “was to upgrade the HVAC (Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning) system in Neal Hall, which is located in the mechanical closet. While we had the building out of service, we chose to upgrade the interior design and furnishings.”
Wellbaum explained, “The Field House is gaining two new locker rooms for women’s basketball and women’s volleyball. The men’s basketball locker room received some much-needed upgrades, adding a restroom and a dedicated entrance to their room. We replaced flooring in the main lobby, and a back hallway. Those rooms are set to be complete in September 2023.”
Wellbaum added, “Those two projects were the biggest pieces of renovation this summer besides turning NE 111 into a new math classroom.”
In regard to when the Dial-A-Ride bus services can resume their stop at Neal Hall, Wellbaum stated, “Sometime mid semester. We still have several contractors finishing minor final work items and also landscaping to complete.”
Wellbaum emphasized “We are most mindful to manage the project in a way that creates the least disruption to classes on campus. This is why most major building renovation projects take place during the summer months. Our general contractor and all of the sub-contractors follow appropriate safety standards to protect the health and safety of the workers and campus community.”
Wellbaum concluded, “There is a contract out to rebuild the softball press box. That project will be starting in the next month or so and otherwise, we plan to concentrate our efforts on the Effingham Technology Center.”
