The Johnson Commons will soon be completed after months of planning, renovations and repairs.
Ian Banner, director of facilities planning and the university’s architect, said the construction on the Johnson Commons will be completed by Jan. 2, 2014, taking a total of 16 months, costing $12 million.
Banner said this is a very complicated project with a few problems, putting them five or six months behind schedule. Banner went further saying one of the unexpected complications included sealing and repairing the basement in order to stabilize the building due to leaking pipes that flooded the area.
“When you renovate an older building, you run into problems that you didn’t expect,” Banner said.
The original building has had the entire roof replaced while the inside has been gutted and removed of all mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems.
Banner said he understands whenever there is project underway on campus, it becomes an inconvenience for everyone, but it is something that has to be done in order to improve the beauty of the university.
“Unfortunately you can’t build buildings without letting people know you are building them,” Banner said. “Believe me, I would if we could.”
Senior food service director Jason Phillips said he is excited about the project despite the delay in completion. Phillips also said those who were employed at the Johnson Commons have been allocated to different places on campus and future employees will have to wait to be hired until they are ready. He tours the property about every two weeks, and he says the architectural features have changed including sky lights, patios and more.
Phillips said once the Johnson Commons is finished it will be an area where people can study, eat and enjoy the view of the quad.
“It’s going to feel like a retail environment,” Phillips said. “You will have a million dollar view.”
Banner said a new main entrance will be added between Johnson Commons East and West along with a new pedestrian connection through the center of the east and west halves of the buildings linking West Dormitory Row with the quad.
According to Banner, the building will seat more than 800 people in “market style” dining where visitors will be able to select from several different food concepts served in intimate dining spaces. A restaurant-style dining space will also be located on the ground floor opening onto the quad.
Phillips said this has been a major project but knows it will be worth it in the end to have a new updated dining facility.
“I had the intention from day one to be the shining star in the SEC,” Banner said.
