By snoadmin
Liberal Arts buildings 2, 3 and 4 will undergo renovation for seismic safety within the next year.
According to Sue Brown, director of physical planning and construction management at Cal State Long Beach, the Liberal Arts buildings can still be occupied because they have been maintained, but they haven’t been renovated since they were built in the 1950s.
“These are among the highest used classrooms on the campus,” Brown said. “They’re in good condition.”
Brown said the university is going to invest about $7.4 million to renovate the buildings. Operating funds and interest on student fees will provide the necessary money for the renovations.
According to Brown, the renovations will include seismic upgrades, air conditioning, window replacement for energy efficiency, electrical upgrades to allow for smart classrooms, new lighting, new ceilings, new flooring, new furniture, and improved courtyards with new landscaping and seating between the buildings.
Renovations are expected to take a year. According to Brown, all buildings will be undergoing renovations at the same time because it will be cheaper than updating one building at a time.
The buildings were designed under the building code, which was in place when they were originally constructed. According to Brown, there is a different building code in place today, and the renovations will bring those buildings up to current seismic codes.
Student opinions on the renovations vary. Junior Ricardo Medina said the renovations may be a waste of money and inconvenient.
“If they’re going to do it, they should do it little by little,” he said.
Other students think bringing the buildings up to date is a good idea.
“That’s where all my classes are so that will make it safer,” senior Diana Woods said.
Brown said offices and classes will have to be moved during construction, but there is room in Liberal Arts 1 and 5 as well as Peterson Hall 1 and 2.
“We will have to temporarily re-route people,” Brown said.
CSULB is currently working with the fire marshal to set up signs in Liberal Arts 1 and 5 for access to the elevators and the upper pathway.
According to Brown, the renovations will create modernized classrooms and have a positive impact on the campus and students.
Disclaimer: The Daily 49er is not responsible for Postings made on www.daily49er.wpengine.com. Persons commenting are solely responsible for Postings made on this website. Persons commenting agree to the Terms of Use of the website. If Postings do not abide by the Rules of Conduct or Posting Regulations as listed in the Postings Policy, the Daily 49er has all rights to delete Postings as it deems necessary. The Daily 49er strongly advises individuals to not abuse their First Amendment rights, and to avoid language suggestive of hate speech. This site also encourages users to make Postings relevant to the article or other Postings.