Meghann Anderson
Staff writer

The $7.2 million Elizabeth College renovation project began earlier this month.

The building is undergoing several different cleansing processes, David Wilson, director of housing and residence life, said.

“The renovations began earlier this month with the removal of asbestos in the building,” Wilson said. “Currently, the contractors are working on demolition inside the building.”

Kim Oatman, chief facilities officer said though the project experienced some stalls, it is back on track.

“The construction process was stalled due to some delays during the bidding phase and contract award phase,” Oatman said. “The project did begin in early October and is on track to be completed for move-in for Fall 2012.”

Physical work cannot be seen because a lot of work is being done off-site, Oatman said.

The funding for the Elizabeth renovation comes from the housing department’s budget and not the University’s general fund, Wilson said.

Tax exempt municipal bonds from the University are helping fund the renovation of Elizabeth College.

Oatman said the college’s lobbies, laundry rooms and study rooms will be completely revamped.

Renovations will also include new paint, flooring and ceilings.

Oatman said the building’s new heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system will be more energy efficient.

Elizabeth residents relocated to Old Richmond College for this academic year.

Wilson said the University is using the top three floors of Old Richmond to house Elizabeth residents. The three floors have a capacity of 178 students.

Wilson said 259 students were housed in Elizabeth last spring.

Before the renovation, Elizabeth had a capacity of 308 students. Due to some modifications during the design process, it will have a capacity of 304 after the renovation is completed.

“I am looking forward to seeing the new lobby most because that is where everyone hung out and that is a big part of Lizo,” Shelby Haynes, sophomore from Owensboro, Ky., said. “I’m also excited to see the new rooms.”

The Elizabeth renovation will include an upgrade of finishes in each bedroom and total re-construction of the main lobby.

Crystal Coleman, Elizabeth college head, said the game room will also receive new additions.

“This way, whether you are showing a DVD, playing a digital game or just watching a TV show, everyone can share the same space, yet do different things,” Coleman said via email.

Oatman said it will also include replacement of most of the mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems and will be leading in energy and environmental design (LEED) certified.

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