Boston University students have once again found themselves surrounded by numerous construction projects around campus this semester.
The completion of Student Village II and smaller-scale summer projects like classroom and office renovations, seemed to signal an end to any major construction on campus. But BU spokesman Colin Riley said BU is designing and planning for more major projects such as Law School Expansion.
President Robert Brown elaborated on these new projects in a letter in May to the BU community.
‘We continue to plan several major projects, including the Law School expansion and renovations, the new student services center . . . and a medical campus residence,’ he wrote. ‘Fundraising is underway for all three projects.’
Brown also wrote that BU ‘will continue to hold down capital expenditure for the foreseeable future’ and stated that renovations to the rehearsal facilities in the College of Fine Arts main building were scheduled to be completed this fall.
City construction projects also surround the Charles River Campus. One of the most noticeable renovations is that of the Kenmore Train and Bus Station in Kenmore Square.
Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority spokesman Joe Pesaturo said most of the work on the Kenmore T stop is finished.
‘New escalators are up and running, the new bus-way is fully operational,’ he said. ‘The Green Line platforms have been completely rebuilt and elevated to make boarding much easier.’
New lighting, signage, surveillance cameras and tiled walls are among the many updated features of the Green Line platforms. Over 175,000 pounds of steel have gone into the renovation, along with 10,000 square feet of glass. The busway area above ground has been landscaped with 60 new trees and nearly 16,600 square feet of new plantings of shrubs and lawns. Thirty-four new bike racks have also been added for riders.
Pesaturo also said the remaining projects, such as two new elevators, will be completed and in operation by the end of next month.
‘The station [will be] completely accessible to people of all abilities,’ Pesaturo said.
College of Arts and Sciences junior Zach Raines, who frequently rides the T out of the Kenmore station, said he appreciates the work that has gone into the major renovation.
‘The Kenmore station has definitely improved over the past year,’ Raines said.
But some students said all the construction is disruptive to campus life.
CAS senior Christine Bariahtaris lives on Bay State Road and said she is frustrated with construction noise on the street and the large pieces of equipment in front of her window.
‘My roommate has to sleep with ear plugs in because of the jack-hammering,’ Bariahtaris said, adding how she is usually awakened by the noise in the morning.
‘If they started an hour later it would be a lot better,’ she said.
College of Communication senior Matt Harrington said he has seen numerous construction projects during his four years at BU.
‘It’s been ridiculous over the four years,’ Harrington said, ‘I’ve never seen BU without construction or a lot of noise going on.’
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