Next semester, students may see some upgrades on the elevators around campus, part of the second phase in the Elevator Modernization Project. The Physical Plant is implementing the project, but the entire modernization project is facilitated through Campus Planning and Design department.
Also included in the specifications for the project were requirements to upgrade the wet sprinkler system on campus, as well as the sleeves and sleeve seals for fire-suppression pipes.
Pam Cash, manager of facilities projects at the Physical Plant, said the elevators that weren't updated during phase one will be completed during the summer.
"The primary focus of the project is to correct any mechanical issues and upgrade to tab lighting," Cash said. "Some will be getting new jacks, others will be brought up to code and new standards."
According to Cash, the total cost of the project is $1,721,200, paid to the R.L. Campbell Contracting Co.
"Some of the elevators were put in 30-plus years ago before [the Americans with Disabilities Act]," Cash said. "The height of the buttons needs to be updated."
Ralph Albanese, professor and chair of the Foreign Language department, said he filed the complaint for the elevator in Jones Hall, which was squealing loudly enough to disrupt classes.
"It did not sound comfortable," Albanese said. "It was bothering a lot of people. It undermines education by distracting students."
Albanese said he wasn't sure if Physical Plant deemed other projects more urgent, but issues with the elevator went on for weeks.
"It was under construction for at least a few weeks before spring break," he said. "We thought after spring break, it would be done."
However, the elevator continued to have issues until last week.
Sherry Bryan, professor of architecture, said she and other professors were happy to see the elevator in Jones Hall fixed.
"Most of our students and faculty are still taking the stairs," she said.
Bryan noted that while some changes were made to the Jones elevator, the modernization project hasn't completely upgraded it.
"[The lighted arrows] were replaced with LEDs," Bryan said. "They replaced the ceiling, but they didn't replace the floor."
While floors are not included in the elevator modernization plans, lighting is a major factor in the entire project.
"It is working great now," Bryan said. "But the bad thing is still the smell of it and that it's very slow."
The project will officially begin May 13 and continue into the summer.
