CSB renovations
Carpenter Sports Building renovation and expansion shifts traffic and parking
9:43 a.m., March 2, 2012--Beginning this month, the renovation and expansion of the University of Delaware's Carpenter Sports Building (CSB) will move into its next phase -- construction of a 50,000-square-foot addition.
The new space is expected to be completed and available for use in August 2013. During construction, pedestrian and vehicular access to the building and parking will be altered.
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Plans for the three-story expansion, which will be situated at the current main entrance, include new workout areas, group exercise rooms, offices, a student lounge and an indoor track. Access will be diverted through a temporary entrance in Gym 1 during this phase of the construction.
“Athletics and Recreation Services is thrilled to get this project underway,” said Jake Olkkola, associate director of athletics for recreation services. “We thank the campus community for their patience during the upcoming construction period. We know the short term inconveniences will be well worth the wait.”
Pedestrian access to Frazer Field will be rerouted to a temporary path, which will be appropriately lit and outfitted with security cameras and blue light phones. Within the building intermittent disturbances of these connected systems are expected.
The drive south of Mechanical Hall will become a two-way roadway as the parking lot (Lot 20) and the drive west of CSB will be fenced off. Handicapped parking will be available next to Jastak-Burgess Hall.
“Traffic near the building should be limited to handicap and service vehicles only,” said Rich Rind of Parking and Transportation Services. “We recommend that drop offs and pick ups be redirected to Main Street in front of Elliott and Alumni halls, where metered spaces are also available. Alternately, the section of Lot 20 closest to North College Avenue will remain open.”
Available parking in Lot 20 will be reduced. Lot 19, across North College Avenue, is the best-suggested alternative, as it is also a Gold lot.
More about CSB project
In October 2011, CSB’s Gym 2 reopened after renovations to improve the aesthetics and playability. The space now features a resurfaced floor, new basketball hoops and freshly painted walls.
In fall 2010, the field that abuts the building on its eastern side and sits just a few steps behind several Main Street businesses got its own facelift.
University Facilities installed 250,000 square feet of synthetic Field Turf, reconfigured the drainage and installed sports lighting. Athletes in intramural and club sports, the UD Marching Band and several student groups now have an all-weather surface for games, practices and events.
When the expansion is completed in August 2013, renovations will continue in the current building. The entire project is slated for completion in late November 2013.
An outdoor courtyard with ample seating will connect the facility with the buildings around it and better reflect the architecture on the part of campus dominated by Old College.
Article by Tabitha Groh