We are currently in the mobilization phase for SSU BOLD, our campus unification and modernization project, and work is also progressing on the North Campus Decarbonization project. We are excited to see this progress and to provide you with an update on what has occurred to date and what we anticipate over the next few weeks.
We began mobilizing The Horace Mann renovations at the start of May. This work includes the removal of the existing fencing, trees and shrubs, and the installation of jersey barriers along portions of the perimeter of the project site. As well as conducting soil test pits, installing borings within the Horace Mann site and site preparations for the installation of additional construction trailers next to the Horace Mann Building on Saturday, June 7 after 8 am to avoid traffic on Loring Avenue. We will need to temporarily restrict parking in front of Horace Mann on Loring Avenue during this work, but we will restore it once the project fencing is in place. Please note that this work will not have an impact on the bus stop.
The Meier Hall Addition site is expected to mobilize later this month. After the fence is installed and the site is secured, the contractor will begin work on the foundation. This requires our contractor to blast and remove rock within the addition’s footprint. The work will begin in early July and will last for approximately two months. They anticipate blasting to occur one to two times per day between the hours of 9 am and 5 pm. The contractor will follow the Code of Massachusetts Regulations, including monitoring ground and air vibrations throughout the work and sharing drilling and blasting schedules in advance. The site will be well marked with highly visible signs that detail the whistle warning sequence that will be sounded prior to the commencement of each blast. All blasting operations will be conducted during daylight hours, and no explosives will be stored at the construction site overnight. Salem Fire Department will be onsite, as required by law, for all the blasting activities.
Decarbonization Project Update
Our solar vendor began drilling geo technical borings in the faculty staff lot at Meier Hall on Friday, May 30, and they expect to finish this work by Thursday, June 5. The solar vendor will use these borings to determine soil types and quality for the footings of the solar canopy system. During this work, approximately 30 parking spaces will be unavailable, and we will mark them accordingly. Once the vendor has completed the work, the spots will be available again.
We anticipate the mobilization of phase one of the geothermal well drilling to occur this summer.
These project sites will continue to be highly active over the next 24 months, with the level of visible activity varying depending on each phase of the project. As a reminder, throughout construction, work hours will be Monday through Friday, from 7 am-5 pm. Certain construction activities may require longer workdays or weekend work to complete. The project team and university will coordinate these activities and notify the community as appropriate. We will use standard construction mitigation measures, including dust, noise, and vibration controls.
We anticipate completing construction in the summer of 2027, with the new facilities open for the fall semester. We understand that construction on a college campus comes with challenges. Facilities will work with impacted departments to identify alternative teaching spaces as needed and will communicate updates on the projects’ activities, as necessary.
Other Updates
Ellison Solar Installation
Next week, we will begin work on the solar installation project at Ellison. This work is limited to the roof and the electrical room in the basement and will take place from 7 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday. Most of the related activity will take place from the loading dock area; however, the work will also require limited crane usage. There may be slight noise disruptions throughout this work period, primarily limited to the second floor of the ECC. We have asked our contractors to limit their parking in the area and to limit their footprint to the areas which are currently marked as “service parking” only. The back parking lot will remain open throughout this work.
Ellison Commuter Lounge
We started work on the first-floor commuter lounge this week with minor renovations to the existing infrastructure and paint. We expect new furniture to be delivered on Wednesday, June 18. Please note that during these renovations, you will not be able to reserve the commuter lounge through 25Live. This space is on a facilities hold through July 11.
Seasonal Air Condition Updates
Atlantic, Marsh, Berry Library, Harrington Building, and Harington Campus Classroom Building, 331 Lafayette and 287 Lafayette have all been put into service for this cooling season and will continue to operate on their designated schedules. Forten Hall, Stanley Building, and the first floor of Sullivan will be put into service by the end of this week.
Please report any temperature anomalies to the Facilities Help Desk or submit a work order request to have the conditions investigated and resolved.
Thank you to everyone involved in all these undertakings. We are thrilled to see our collective vision come to life across campus. We will continue to share updates as work progresses. For SSU BOLD and the North Campus Decarbonization work, please check our website for updated information as it becomes available.