The Betsy Cheramie Ayo Hall, originally scheduled to open for the start of this semester, has yet to be completed.
Dr. John Lajaunie, Director of Facility Planning, said many minor problems accumulated to significantly delay the completion of the project.
“It’s a big building. There are just a lot of little things that when taken as a whole, just delays the hell out of it. It’s cost me few hairs I don’t mind saying,” he said.
Lajaunie said he wants work to be completely done before any faculty and students begin to use the building.
“We’re hoping it’ll be finished pretty quick and that will give us plenty of lead time to get all the computers hooked up, all of the furniture moved into place and be ready to roll for the summer term,” he said.
Lajaunie cited problems with unsatisfactory work.
“It is not in complete compliance with specifications,” he said.
“It does not meet the level of quality expected, and, therefore must be either redone or repaired.”
The contractor must make the necessary changes before completion.
“It was more him having to go in and redo some things and repair some things because the way they were originally done they were not acceptable, and we just want the best quality project.
“Right now, construction-wide, if you talk to anyone, the biggest problem they are having is putting subcontractors on the job who can get it done right,” he said.
“If it’s not done right, it is the contractor’s responsibility to get it done right.”
Economics is also a factor.
“Let’s face it, man, the labor market is tight,” Lajaunie said.
The entire building must be inspected to ensure specifications are met.
“We walk through the whole building. It took us three and a half days to do the first inspection. It will be the third largest building on campus, behind the library and Peltier Hall,” he said.
Many students, however, have classes scheduled in Ayo Hall this semester.
“Those classes have been rescheduled into the facilities that we currently have. We were able to absorb that,” Lajaunie said.
The Allied Health building is also practically completed. Classes will be held there.
“It was a little bit easier construction,” Lajaunie said.