CCU summer construction update
The summer months at Coastal Carolina University will see plenty of action on the construction front, beginning with the shuttering of Java City. In its place will be CCU’s third national chain to arrive on campus, Starbucks, which opens in the fall. According to CCU Chief Financial Officer Stacie Bowie, Starbucks was the overwhelming choice by students with regard to coffee brand desired, based on a campus survey conducted by food service provider Aramark.
Another major project nearing completion is Phase I of the $15 million Kenneth E. Swain Hall, which will have its grand opening in July. The 40,000-square-foot structure will be the home of CCU’s health sciences. In addition to more faculty offices and supply spaces, the building boasts enhanced classrooms and labs, allowing for more research in molecular biology, biochemistry and DNA technology.
Those trenches that construction crews have been digging since May are called “pump packages,” intended to connect Kearns Hall, Wheelwright Auditorium, the Lib Jackson Student Center, Kimbel Library and the Smith Science Center to the new central cooling plant. Digging will continue throughout the summer.
Construction and renovations projects scheduled during summer break include:
* Resurfacing of the floors in Hicks Dining Hall and Cino Grille.
* The Baxley Hall renovations providing office space for Student Accounts and Admissions is now estimated for completion in July.
* A new 533-space student parking lot (between Student Health Services and Lackey Chapel) is estimated for completion in July.
* All exterior windowsills at Kearns Hall will be replaced.
* Construction on the new Tennis Complex is scheduled to begin in September.
* Re-carpeting of Kimbel Library.
* The locker rooms at the Williams-Brice Recreation Center pool will be renovated, and the gym will receive a new paint job.
* New lighting will be installed in Blanton Park.
* A traffic light will be installed at the Founders Drive and S.C. 544 intersection in July.
* Removal of all portable buildings adjacent to Williams-Brice Recreation Center.
Other buildings and offices scheduled for minor renovations include: the IT Department in Wall College; Evergreen Hall, which will be the future home of ROTC; Kingston Hall, which will house the Coastal Educational Foundation; Jackson Student Center, which will gain office space for Aramark and CHANT411; and Prince Hall, which will gain an office for Student Conduct.
