University updates heating and air systems in Chappell

Chappell Hall is undergoing phase one of the renovations for its outdated heating and air system.

Over $791,000 is being spent on the new system. Major repair and renovation funds came from the Board of Reagents to pay for the project. In addition to the cost for the new construction $39,000 was spent on the design for the renovation.

Built in 1963, the original heating and cooling systems were still in use in Chappell Hall until recently. The system was too obsolete to keep up with the addition of new technology to the building, considering it is the home to the Serve Help Desk.

“The main reason the system is being changed is the building is not being used as it was designed,” said project manager for the Department of Facilities Planning, Tim Henry. “Fifty computers being used in the building generates a lot of heat. The old system wasn’t designed for the heat load so it had to be changed.”

The system being installed is the most current design available. The new system will not only deal with the heat from the computers, but it will help regulate temperature throughout the entire building.

Only the first floor of the building is undergoing renovations in phase one so the offices on that floor, including Serve, had to move. Some of the relocated personnel moved to the library and some, like Serve, to the second floor of the Chappell Hall.

“We still have our full Serve crew working in that room but you are basically in a computer lab classroom,” said Interim Chief Information Officer Edward Boyd. “We are still providing service.”

In the new location, there is not much desk space for Serve, Boyd said, because of all of the computers the team has to work around.

The biggest issue that Serve faces is the lack of storage space in their temporary location on the second floor.

“One hundred plus students have already brought their computers in and we are having trouble finding a place to put them,” said senior computer science major David Bartz.

According to Bartz, the space was used more efficiently downstairs because they have five cabinets in their usual space.

Other issues besides lack of storage space have been occurring on the second floor because of the construction downstairs.

“There have been some minor noise issues that can be loud and there have been some smells, but overall the construction has not been bad,” said Associate Vice President for the Extended University Mark Pelton.

Pelton is not overly concerned with the inconveniences of the renovation because he is excited to see the changes when it is over.

“I think it will freshen it up nicely and make it more energy efficient,” Pelton said. “Frankly I am more excited for having new light fixtures and ceiling grids.”

After phase one is completed, phase two is planned to begin around Feb. 25, and the second floor personnel will be then relocated to the first floor and other locations on campus.

“It’s going to be tight. We will be sharing offices,” Boyd said. “We are taking 15 people into a space that is designed for a lot less so we will be stepping on each other,”.

Renovations in phase two will tentatively last 50 days and are slated to end on June 16.