Why is Construction Ocurring at Wright College?

Wright College is undergoing renovations this semester and one of those renovations include the construction on the roof of the science building, which has been a source of noise during the school day. Student Malak Alattaf said he could hear the drilling on the roof and said, “I remember the first week of classes, it was very loud.” Multiple students agreed that the disturbances are occurring the most in the science building as that is where the roof construction is being done.

Business professor Jeff Karlberg noticed that the scaffolding that goes up the building was very close to the windows of his classroom. He explained that he was able to manage it by simply closing the windows where the scaffolding was visible. 

Something else that had been apparent was about the dangers of having the materials laid out. Justin Lowry, professor in physics and astronomy, said a student of his told him she injured her leg because of the construction materials being laid out as she was exiting the garage.

About the renovations, student Daniel Pential said, “I don’t think there’s any point in stopping them because it’s not like they are doing it for fun. It’s for a purpose, so you kinda gotta understand that. Two things can be true; it's loud and disruptive but also it's necessary.”

President of Faculty Council Laurie Alfaro said she and Faculty Council met with President Oroz to discuss the issue.

She emphasized that the construction is long overdue. The issues extend past the roof needing fixing as there have been leaking ceilings in the classrooms, halls, and offices. 

Alfaro said the boiler will be replaced because the boiler is connected to the pipes, and the pipes are where the leaking is coming from, which is what had caused all of this from the beginning. Dr. Alfaro said, "They're not sure how long the process is going to take because you don’t really know until you look and see how bad it is.” 

She added the pipes will be flushed, the boiler will be replaced, the water will be replaced as well, and then they will look at the pipes again and make sure that there isn’t any more leaking. If there are, those sections will be replaced. The last step of action will be to repair the ceiling. Not because the ceiling isn’t as important, but the urgency of fixing the plumbing is what needs the most attention. 

The construction also means that the turnaround area in the south parking lot will be closed for four weeks.

Construction Equipment Surround the Turnaround in the South Parking Lot. Photo Credit: Alexis Sandoval.