Workers are shown finishing up exterior work on the new addition to the science building at Howard College. Officials hope to have the addition ready for occupancy by late February. (HERALD photo/Steve Reagan)
Of course, they also see how far they have to go.
Workers are beginning to check off several projects related to the campus-wide renovation, scheduled to be completed sometime in 2011, but no one is planning celebrations just yet.
“It feels good to be able to check some of these things off,” said Terry Hansen, executive vice president of the college. “I think we’ve pushed some people right to the breaking point of their patience.”
With practically the entire Big Spring campus turned into a hard hat zone, Hansen’s comment becomes understandable. Patience and understanding are two qualities much in demand for those who have to navigate the trenches and work zones at the college.
But that patience is starting to be rewarded.
“The bond project is on schedule,” Hansen said. “That’s even including some projects ... that are behind. We have reason to believe that they’ll be able to make up lost time in the near future. All in all, I feel really good about what’s going on.”
Three major hallmarks of the renovation project — the student union and Horace Garrett buildings, plus the A and E wings of the administration building — should be complete by the time students return for the spring semester in January.
Construction of an addition to the science building is about 90 percent complete and should be ready for occupancy in late February or early March, Hansen said.
Less visible projects such as upgrades to the sewer, electrical and heating and ventilation systems are all proceeding satisfactorily, he added.
But the best news for taxpayers and college officials alike, Hansen said, is that work is being completed significantly under budget at this point in time.
Hansen, who said costs are running at about $3 million below projections at this stage of the renovations, said any savings will allow officials to address more projects.
“We are very, very hopeful that these projects come in below budget,” he said. “We’re in a good bidding climate and we’ve made some good decisions along the way. That’s what has allowed us to realize some savings right now.”
Possible projects that may be added include upgrades to the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems at the applied science and occupational buildings, he said.
“We’re probably a year away from knowing for sure if we’ll have more money to spend, but we’re optimistic with the way things are looking right now,” Hansen said.
Contact Staff Writer Steve Reagan at 263-7331, ext. 234, or by e-mail at
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
