SIMMONS HALL
Phase One has been successfully completed for occupancy of floors two through 10, and the first wave of students moved in on Aug. 20 (the rest will be in by the end of this week). Phase Two construction continues on the first floor and basement with some minor work elsewhere in the building. Barriers on Vassar Street have been removed and the street in front of the building has been paved and striped.
VASSAR STREET UTILITIES
The telecommunications duct bank crossing from Building 38 to the future brain and cognitive sciences building manhole in the Building 45 parking lot is complete. Vassar Street is one-way from Main Street to Massachusetts Avenue until January 2003; all traffic traveling east on Vassar must turn left at Massachusetts Avenue and right on Albany Street to get to Main Street. Pedestrians will use sidewalks on the north side of the street. Access to all buildings on both sides of Vassar will be maintained during construction. Work zone locations will shift as work progresses.
STATA CENTER
Concrete placement for the amphitheater is complete. Installation of the below-grade supports for the exterior stairs leading to the raised garden has begun. Exterior brickwork continues. Exposed pipes are being installed on Levels P2 through 4. Interior masonry, HVAC, plumbing and fire protection work are ongoing.
SPORTS & FITNESS CENTER
The certificate of completion is forthcoming, and the building is expected to open for use on Sept. 23. The swimming pools are filled and water treatment is in progress. Spectator seating is installed. General interior finishes are nearing completion.
BAKER HOUSE
Phase three of the project is complete. Twenty-five more windows have been installed than were originally expected.
DREYFUS CHEMISTRY BLDG.
Noisy repair work on the east concrete fa��ade continues. Mechanical systems are being installed.
MEDIA LAB EXPANSION
The project is being delayed until fund-raising is complete. Construction fences and pedestrian barriers have been relocated.
AMHERST ALLEY
Work on several manholes on the west side of campus has been suspended until after Labor Day as students move back to campus.
HAYDEN LIBRARY
This project will move and reshape the circulation area, which will expand to include the Reserve Book Room collection and services, as well as a 24/7 study space. During the renovation period, entrance to the Science and Humanities Libraries will be through the Lewis Music Library, in which the MIT Libraries' no-food, no-drink policy is strictly enforced. Book returns and other circulation services will be transacted at the Lewis Music Library Circulation desk during this period.
MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE
The City of Cambridge has begun a project to inspect sewer pipes on both sides of Massachusetts Avenue along the route of the storm drain replacement project. Some sidewalks may be dug up during this project, which may take several weeks.
A version of this article appeared in MIT Tech Talk on August 28, 2002.
