A Newsletter for the Neighbors of the University of California, Berkeley

Under Construction

Sproul Plaza renovation
Upper Sproul Plaza, the lively gateway to the university located at the north end of Telegraph Avenue, is undergoing a much-needed renovation. Decades of wear have taken a toll on the well-traveled area. “Pedestrian safety and improved disabled accessibility are the driving reasons behind the upgrade,” said project manager and campus landscape architect Jim Horner. “There is no doubt that the plaza will look better, but the corrections will not significantly change its original character.”

The project will span the rectangle from Sather Gate to the southern edge of the plaza, and from the foot of Sproul Hall steps to (and including) the steps leading to Lower Sproul Plaza. The upgrade will replace asphalt, add new handrails and replace inadequate ones, and renovate the information boards, kiosks, and Daily Californian distribution racks. No trees will be removed during the project, though the tree wells that contribute to the area’s uneven surface will be leveled.

The renovation is funded by private endowments and the chancellor’s discretionary fund. Work began in March and is expected to be completed by July.

Units 1 and 2 infill student housing
The university is adding three residence halls west of College Ave. on Durant Ave. and Channing Way (Unit 1) and on Haste St. (Unit 2). Apartment-style housing will also be added at Unit 2 on Dwight Way. Construction of the towers at both units continues story by story, with concrete poured first to form the floor and then to build the walls of each story. The exteriors are expected to be completed by May at Unit 2 and by the end of summer at Unit 1. For details and updates on these projects, visit www.housing.berkeley.edu/construction

Channing-Bowditch student housing opens in August
Construction of additional housing at Channing Way and Bowditch Street continues. The exterior of the new building is complete; final landscaping will take place this summer. Inside the building, walls are going up and utilities are being installed. This apartment-style housing is scheduled to open to student residents this August.

Stanley Biosciences and Bioengineering Facility
Located at the east gate of campus, this new building will be an interdisciplinary hub for science research and teaching as part of the UC Berkeley’s Health Sciences Initiative. Work to build the basement levels of the facility is underway. The new eight-story building is due to open in early 2006.

2195 Hearst Avenue nears completion
The exterior of the new building and landscaping at Hearst Avenue between Oxford Street and Walnut Street is complete. Construction on the interior of the building is underway, with occupancy scheduled for summer 2004.

A note to the community: Pedestrian safety around campus construction sites is very important. Please walk on sidewalks and designated paths only, not in the street next to construction fencing. Work hours for campus construction projects are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekends and holidays, in accordance with the city of Berkeley noise ordinance. All projects adhere to regulations concerning safety, dust, dirt, exhaust fumes, and storm-water runoff.

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