SIMMONS HALL
Temporary ceiling tiles in the main lobby have been replaced; other tiles will be replaced floor by floor. Noise from continuing construction is being mitigated so residents will be disturbed as little as possible. Work toward the final certificate of occupancy continues.
BUILDING 7 ENTRANCE
Construction of an ADA-accessible entrance to Building 7 has begun (see MIT Tech Talk, Oct. 2). Shrubs and trees on the north side of the 77 Massachusetts Ave. steps will be removed to make room for the entrance, while plants on the south side will also be removed to provide a balanced look once the project is complete.
VASSAR STREET UTILITIES
Excavation for a steam line from Building 45 across the railroad tracks to Advanced Energy (a company on Main Street that produces and sells steam to large building owners in Cambridge) has begun. MIT will buy or sell steam to the company at various times as dictated by the local market. Work will take place during the night shift from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. to minimize traffic impact.
Farther down Vassar Street, the steam piping and backfill at the Johnson Athletics Center is nearing completion. Vassar Street will remain one way between Main Street and Massachusetts Avenue until January.
STATA CENTER
Temporary building enclosures are being installed in preparation for inclement weather. Below-grade supports for the exterior stairs leading to the raised garden are being installed. Exterior brickwork and work on interior masonry, HVAC, plumbing and fire protection continue, as does installation of exposed pipes on Levels P2 through 4.
HAYDEN LIBRARY
The new circulation area is now open. There is still work being done on the 24-hour study space, which will open later this fall. The after-hours book drop will be installed later this month. Signs and lighting for the main entrance are almost finished.
A version of this article appeared in MIT Tech Talk on October 9, 2002.
