Mike Wolanin | The Republic The construction site for Ivy Tech Community College’s new campus building in Columbus is shown Monday, December 6, 2021.
Ivy Tech Community College – Columbus officials hope to move into the new campus building in March, despite some material delays that have held up construction.
According to a progress report from lead contractor Pepper Construction, the project is about three weeks behind schedule.
“They’re (Pepper) super confident, and they’re working through creative solutions to get us back on track,” said Erica Speer, director of instructional sites, at a campus board of trustees meeting Tuesday.
The college plans to start moving into the new building, Moravec Hall, in March and then take permanent occupancy by the end of May, she said.
Chancellor Steven Combs clarified that the three-week delay is for construction and should not affect the move-in date.
“Being in the construction industry for this type of facility … a three-week-behind-schedule is actually extraordinary, especially with the material shortage,” said campus trustee Derek Kintner. Workforce shortages can also be a challenge, he said.
“Material delays are creating concerns and the need for creative solutions,” Pepper Construction wrote in its progress report. “This is an issue throughout the industry. Nearly all materials are affected.”
This includes a delay on roofing materials, which has pushed back work on building enclosure.
“We had some delays in material for the permanent roof, but I think that we are confident that they are going to be shipped sooner rather than later,” Speer said. “We were a little nervous, but we have a temporary roof. They’re confident that that’s going to be sufficient enough until the permanent roof gets here.”
Combs said that the college is using contingency fees to pay for the temporary roof.
Pepper Construction’s progress report also mentions other concerns, such as “potential site changes related to the GGN design.”
Seattle-based landscape architecture firm Gustafson Guthrie Nichol (GGN) was selected earlier this year to create a long-term design framework for the Airpark campus as a whole, as well as a detailed design for the southwest corner.
The landscape design project was partially spurred by Ivy Tech’s building project. Community Education Coalition officials have said in the past that they hope for the “collaborative design” for access from the southwest corner to occur in alignment with the demolition of Poling Hall.
In discussing the specifics of the new building’s progress, Pepper Construction wrote that masonry continues on the east elevation, and work is starting on the north. About 97% of the exterior wall framing and sheathing is complete, and 98% of the interior walls are framed. The temporary roof has been completed, and drywall hanging continues. Power and gas are connected.
Combs said that college plans to hold a “ribbon cutting/groundbreaking” event in October during a State Board of Trustees meeting hosted by the local campus. Per the board’s schedule, the meeting is set for Oct. 5-6.
The college has also reached out to the Community Education Coalition about potentially partnering to highlight changes at the Columbus Learning Center, as well as the landscape design project.
“What if we just knock this thing out of the park and do one big celebration to open up the new airpark campus?” said Combs. He added that the details are still being discussed.
The new building is named for local entrepreneur Tony Moravec. Moravec, who is also an Ivy Tech donor and former state trustee, attended Tuesday’s campus board meeting — as did another special guest, although virtually.
Ivy Tech President Sue Ellspermann joined the meeting via Zoom for a few minutes to commend Moravec.
“I got a tour a couple of weeks ago,” said Ellspermann. “It is amazing. It wouldn’t be possible without your great support. Of course, there are many people involved, but Tony, it’s just very, very special for, I know, Dr. Combs, for me, for this entire community to have your name on that hall for the special support you’ve given. And I can’t wait to see what we will do on the new Columbus campus.”
Moravec said he’s grateful to have his “heritage and legacy” attached to Ivy Tech.
“I do get up in the middle of the night sometimes and drive out here just to make sure it’s not a dream,” he said.
