Wellness Center construction on schedule for Fall completion

Construction of Georgia College’s new Wellness and Recreation Center is on schedule to be completed by Oct. 21.

“It’s hard to put a number on it, but I would say it is 35 to 40 percent complete,” said Mark Bowen, project manager.

According to Bowen, the $28.2 million project is also on budget.

“The weather hasn’t helped, but we’re still on schedule,” Bowen said.

The first building stages of the structure have completed. The competition-size indoor pool has been dug out and the majority of the structural steel work has been finished.

“The next phase is the dry-in phase,” said Rick Ruark, associate director for planning, construction and business services.

The dry-in stage will include the installation of temporary heating for the workers and wood floors for the basketball courts. The crew will also begin sealing off the building by mounting glass walls.

“Getting the envelope on the building is the next big stage,” Bowen said.

Although the project is on schedule, the crew has encountered a few foreseeable issues such as unsuitable soil and the discovery of rock while excavating.

“All of these issues were expected,” Bowen said. “They didn’t delay anything.”

An unexpected issue has been the road conditions surrounding the entrance to the Village’s 1, 2 and 3 buildings.

“There have been some issues with pot holes on West Campus Drive,” Bowen said. “The base layers of asphalt have been applied and we will apply a finish coat when construction is over.”

Pot holes aside, many students are anticipating the completion of the Wellness Center.

“I am excited for it,” said Hannah Smith, junior math major and The Village resident. “It’s coming together pretty fast.”

Ruark hopes that all students feel this way.

“I think the student will be pleased with the final project,” Ruark said. “It’s very impressive.”