Projects continue around campus
Josh Kurtz
Issue date: 9/25/09 Section: News
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James Katsaounis, assistant vice president of Communications and Marketing, Student Life and Administrative Services, stated in an e-mail that initial student feedback about the new dorm has been positive.
"[Students] seem most satisfied with its unique modern design and sustainable design elements," Katsaounis stated.
Students were involved in the design of the dorm, according to Katsaounis.
In addition to Millennium Hall, Drexel recently opened a Taco Bell in the Hagerty Library. Katsaounis said the new restaurant has been well received and that a grand opening for the restaurant has been scheduled for Oct. 8.
Among the projects still ongoing is the Papadakis Integrated Sciences Building, which will be located on 33rd and Chestnut streets. Interim President Charles Pennoni announced during June's commencement that the Board of Trustees decided to honor former president Constantine Papadakis by naming the new sciences him.
Drexel expects the Papadakis ISB to be mostly complete by July 2011. This completion date was pushed back seven months in order for Drexel to try to take advantage of the current economic situation.
Drexel capitalized on the current economy "by bidding parts of the construction project out to several contractors, which resulted in considerable construction cost savings for the University," Katsaounis stated.
The University expects the Papadakis ISB to comply with the $69.1 million budget the Board of Trustees approved for the building.
The economic recession has helped other parts of Drexel's construction endeavors as well, according to Katsaounis. The recession has led to an overall decrease in demand for construction, and this decrease in demand has led to lowered construction costs, which have benefited the University.
Another major construction project, the Recreation Center, has been progressing as expected. The center will be an extension to the Daskalakis Athletic Center.
Katsaounis said the Recreation Center's third floor fitness area is projected to open in January 2010. The remainder of the center is expected to open in February 2010.
Among the features of the Recreation Center will be the Landmark Americana Restaurant located on the center's lower level.
The restaurant will be "a 6,000 square foot, upscale sports grill in the lower level of the Recreation Center near the corner of 34th and Market streets," Katsaounis stated.
The Recreation Center is projected to cost $41.6 million, which falls within the project's projected budget.
Other ongoing projects include the Northside Dining Terrace, which the University projects will be completed by the end of November 2009. The terrace will be located on 34th and Race Streets and will include a newly opened Chick-fil-A, Subway, Currito and AFC Sushi.
The terrace was originally expected to open in September. Construction on the project was pushed back due to a delay in receiving city permits.
According to Katsaounis, other projects include a new basketball floor in the DAC. The new court features a modern suspension style and replaces the 35-year-old floor previously housed in the DAC.
The University also plans to install a turf field in the Armory before the start of winter term.
Katsaounis said Drexel is also considering other projects that are currently in the planning stage.
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