New CMC Dorm on Schedule

Despite a Late Start, Construction Proceeds as Planned

By: Robert Bauman

Posted: 10/14/07

On Bagley Gardens, shrouded behind a dark green tarp, CMC expands. Every day another completed wall of cinderblocks heralds the future growth of Claremont McKenna College. Students, alumni, faculty, and the administration continue to hold competing opinions on the expansion and the construction of the new dorm. This newspaper will continue to address these opinions in hopes of fostering a lively discussion of the issues. However, in any long-term policy debate it can be deceptively easy to remain ignorant of present developments.

In an attempt to avoid such a blunder, this reporter spoke with two administration officials - Brian Worley, director of facilities and campus services, and Robin Aspinall, vice president of business and administration - regarding the progress of construction. They assured the CI that the 37,320 square foot, $15.5 million, 109-bed dormitory would be finished on schedule in mid-July 2008.

When construction began this summer such a feat appeared doubtful. Difficulties acquiring the necessary permits delayed the commencement of construction by three weeks. Such an early delay can be difficult to overcome. However, before students arrived for the '07-'08 academic year, the project was back on schedule. Site grading was complete, most underground utilities were installed, and the pouring of the concrete foundation had begun.

By the time this article goes to print, the concrete foundation will be complete. With its completion and the earlier conclusion of all moving of dirt, students should expect little dust or particulate pollution. The only inconveniences remain sound pollution and possible construction-related congestion in the adjacent Pomona parking lot.

According to plan, the new dorm is being constructed to score high marks on the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System™. The dorm's LEED Silver standing requires adherence to environmentally friendly and responsible construction practice as well as a highly energy efficient building design.

When aiming for such high standards, it is crucial to have a skilled design and construction team. When asked about his faith in the team the administration had hired, Worley expressed utmost confidence, largely due to the integral part the college played in the selection of subcontractors.