Talk about a milestone — it’s been a mere 12 months since the building referendum won voter approval at the ballot box. Today the transformation of Truax Campus is fully underway as the college implements the Smart Future Building Plan. Here’s an update on the projects.

UNDER CONSTRUCTION:

Health Education Center
Substantial infrastructure work has been tackled since construction started in September. The geopiers foundation is nearly completed and crews are focused on footings,  foundations and erecting stair tower concrete walls before moving into the next phase — structural steel.

Protective Services
The construction trailers are in place and installation has started on the geopiers foundation. Utilities work is also underway at the site.

Gateway Entrance/Ingenuity Center
Preconstruction work is progressing with the relocation of utilities and mobilization of construction trailers. Have you seen the hole that’s being excavated outside Mitby Theater? That’s where a tower crane will be positioned for the bulk of construction. The crane should be in place by mid-December and will serve both the Gateway and Ingenuity sites.

Reedsburg
Construction at the Reedsburg campus began the week of November 7 with infrastructure and concrete work.

TRUAX PARKING: 

South Parking Lot Expansion
(Athletic Field lot) - completed
North Parking Lot/Bridge Construction
Lot completed; lighting installed; permanent bridge completed
Shuttles
Buses are now running from the main entrance to the parking lots to make it easier for students and visitors to maneuver around campus during construction. The shuttle buses are running from the Truax parking lots and the main campus weekdays through April. Shuttle bus stops are marked with directional Wolfie signs.

MOVING FORWARD:

Portage Campus
The project is being rebid in December because the first bids for the expansion were over budget. Board approval is anticipated in January with construction starting in March.
Fort Atkinson Campus
Bids for the addition and renovation came in about 10 percent over budget. As a result, the project is being re-evaluated. Look for further information in December.
Watertown Campus
Bids for this project will be received November 29. If the numbers come in at or under budget, expect the Watertown project to go to the board next month.
Downtown Madison Campus 
DTEC’s future is still being considered. The development firm hired to conduct a feasibility study of the Downtown campus will present the results at a meeting later this month.