Construction to begin on Hogness auditorium elevator and ramp

The construction project to add an elevator and a ramp to Hogness Auditorium in the Health Sciences Center is now scheduled to begin March 23 and continue through summer. The project, originally planned for last spring, was postponed when bids for the work were too high.

The new elevator shaft and pit will be constructed in the corner of the C-Wing courtyard, adjacent to the Health Sciences Lobby and the Dean of Medicine's Office. The ramp will be built on the east side of the auditorium. The auditorium will be closed throughout the construction.

In spite of efforts to mitigate the project's impact on activities and offices, it will still be construction in a crowded area, said Sandy McCrae, construction liaison.

The first month of construction will probably have the most impact, McCrae said. The elevator pit will be excavated into the second-floor library area, pilings will be installed (after midnight) and concrete work on the elevator shaft will begin.

McCrae will be sending updates to units in the area of the construction. If you need more information, contact him at 543-4673 or by e-mail at smccrae@u.washington.edu. ¶