An artist's rendition of Penn State New Kensington's renovated coffee bar, The Junction, which is located in the lobby of the Administration building, is the main entrance to the campus.
"Construction...#$%!#&%#!" should cause
minimal disruptions for students at start of semester
With the start of fall classes less than three weeks away, the construction season is winding down at Penn State New Kensington.
For the past five months, the campus has undergone a series of renovations to improve safety and accessibility, and to upgrade existing facilities. The most visible projects are redesigned areas -- Café 780 courtyard and the Junction coffee bar. By the start of classes, most projects will be completed, and students will be able to reap the benefits.
However, there is always a "however" where construction is concerned; a few areas will require work to continue into the semester, Students coming across a construction area and forced to detour around it may be inclined to proffer some sage advice, such as “construction...#$%!#&%#!,” in an honest effort to ameliorate the situation. This is understandable since New Kensington students are a caring lot and are always willing to help right any wrongs.
The campus administration and staff have been trying to help in the same way. Unsolicited counsel is the backbone of moving projects along. Since May, while circumnavigating the affected sites, they too have made some judicious comments to spur on the projects.
As a matter of fact, the campus maintenance staff and the onsite contractors are also allies of the “construction...#$%!#&%#!” crowd. They share the campus angst and are eager to sign off on the summer projects and move on to the regular day-to-day upkeep of the facilities.
While they are the vanguard of the projects, simultaneously they are beholden to the ubiquitous "system," a shadowy and nameless opponent impervious to outside interference. Euphemistically known as the “powers that be," it holds all the trump cards in the approval process game. Existing at all major universities, the system cannot be swayed or hurried. It doesn't intentionally play havoc with project schedules, but at the same time it is not adverse to slowing the proceeding, citing backlogs, backorders, and the proverbial “shipping delays” as obstacles.
So for now, feel free to editorialize about the situation (under your breath, of course), because when everything is up and running, Penn State New Kensington will be the crown jewel of the western Pennsylvania campuses. The pergola will provide a refreshing break between classes. The ICU will give campus students access to one of only three student ICUs in the country. And the coffee bar will be the envy of Starbucks enthusiasts from around the world.
For more information on campus projects, contact Randy Tressler at 724-334-6122 or art3@psu.edu
Construction updates
Café 780 Courtyard
A pergola, constructed off the side entrance of the Café 780, will give the courtyard a more intimate feel. Also known as an arbor, a pergola is a type of gazebo that features a shaded sitting area of vertical posts and cross-beams supporting open lattice. The lattice will be covered with woody vines. In addition, the courtyard will feature a new fire pit, along with new furniture. New trees will be planted and new lighting installed. The bulk of the work is expected to be completed by Aug. 23rd with the finishing touches, such as benches, remaining to be installed.
Junction Coffee Bar
Located in the lobby of the main entrance, the new coffee bar has the look of a mini-Starbucks and will proudly serve Starbucks products. The upgrades will allow the Junction to enhance services. Operated by AVI, the campus food service, the Junction complements the campus cafeteria, Cafe 780, as a breakfast, lunch and dinner destination for the campus and local business communities. The bar serves coffee, latte and cappuccino, hot and iced, as well as flavored smoothies. Featured items include bagels, sandwiches, muffins, cookies, pasties, yogurt, fruit salads and fresh fruit. Delivery of the flooring is the main culprit to the Junction not opening in time for the start of fall classes. It should be operational in September.
Athletics Center
Among upgrades to the Athletics Center are air conditioning for the basketball court, wrestling room, racquetball court and the new pilates/yoga room. Replete with mirrors and a sound system, the pilates room should be ready when classes begin. However, the HVAC equipment hasn’t arrived which may delay occupancy of the building until September.
BET/RAD SCI Labs
The fully-equipped student Intensive Care Unit lab for the Biomedical Engineering Technology program will be completely renovated. The work will improve safety and allow for more hands-on instruction. The new equipment has arrived and should be ready for the first day of classes. Many improvements have also been made to the Rad Sci lab.
Sustainability Projects
Sustainable and environmentally-friendly additions -- development of a composting site and expansion of the pollinator garden -- are on schedule. The two projects are funded by an $11,000 grant to the campus Green team by Sustainable Institute at Penn State.
Other improvements
New exterior doors and renovations of room 132 are slated for the Engineering building. Both will be open for classes while the finishing touches are applied. In addition, the final phase of the exterior lighting and external signage projects is now complete.