Construction zone

The racket of metal saws, pneumatic hammers, and concrete drills has resounded through the main hall of the SCD basement since remodeling and infrastructure upgrades began on 12 November. Workers are converting the old SCD Visualization Laboratory and surrounding space into seven new offices for SCD staff.

While old walls have been torn down and new ones put up, the project also involves major infrastructure work. A Liebert heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) unit was removed and is being replaced with a new system. Part of the concrete floor was taken out to install a mechanical chase for airflow from the main Mesa Laboratory air conduits. Sprinklers are being installed and electrical and lighting systems are being upgraded.

The new offices will house administrative staff of SCD's Network Engineering and Telecommunications Section along with other SCD staff members. Project completion is expected by the third week in January 2002. The infrastructure upgrades will tie into the future Mesa Lab Refurbishment project.

SCD administrator Janice Kauvar is has been coordinating office moves and keeping SCD staff informed on project status. Janice has been working closely with Tina Bogott and Steven Haynes of NCAR Physical Plant Services, who are supervising the project, on project logistics and design of the new office space.

Photo: Lynda Lester/SCD