To: The Wellesley Community
From: Science Center Core Project Team (Ann Velenchik, Dave Chakraborty, Cathy Summa)
Re: Update on Science Center
Date: February 25, 2020
As we begin our second semester in occupancy of the renovated L-wing, we’d like to update you on the progress of the project overall. Although there were a few bumps on the road to getting completely moved in, our first semester in L-wing went well, with faculty, students, and staff enjoying the new classroom spaces and the upgraded teaching and research laboratories, the excellent light and views created by the newly replaced facade, and the opportunity to work and socialize in the beautiful Data Lounge. Our gratitude goes to everyone who worked so hard to make the transition into the new space.
Those of you who spend time on Science Hill have probably noticed that the demolition of Sage Hall has just begun. Our plan had been to begin demolition early last fall, but we hit some regulatory delays as we developed our plan for removal and disposal of some asbestos-bearing materials. We worked closely with the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, and we have now begun the demolition process with the department’s approval and oversight. We are confident that we can move forward safely and efficiently.
But the delay cost us three months on our schedule, and the remaining demolition work, and then the placing of the piles that will support the new foundation, carry their own kinds of uncertainty. We are working with our contractor, Turner Construction, to evaluate options for making up some of the lost time. We don’t yet have a complete answer. We are, therefore, also assessing the cost of beginning occupancy of the building during the fall semester of 2021, but not holding the first classes in that space until spring 2022.
While we would all prefer to stay on our schedule and get the faculty, staff, and students out of their temporary homes and into the new building in time for fall 2021, we need to make sure that we have a realistic timetable and that we provide the community with some certainty around which to plan. We know that last-minute delays are disruptive and that uncertainty is stressful. We will have a clearer sense of where we stand at the end of this semester, and we will make a final decision about the schedule, and inform the College community, no later than July 15, 2020.
Thanks in advance for your patience.
