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Shearman Fine Arts Building Renovation and Addition
August Construction Update
The Shearman Fine Arts renovation and addition is operating on schedule, in spite of several days of rain in July and early August. The general contractor has reported no issues of concern.
At this time, 15 percent of the funds for construction have been spent. If the project continues to operate on schedule, it will be completed in 16 months.
Here is a synopsis of construction activity:
- Masonry work has begun in the new ceramics area.
- In July, two of the four concrete slab sections were successfully poured, as well as grade beams and foundation piers.
- Section three of the concrete slab will be poured this month. This will be an area of 8,500 feet.
- In the next 30 days, excavation will take place to accommodate the orchestra pit in the new auditorium.
- Heavy structural steel has been visible for several weeks. This is the first sequence of steel. The second sequence should be erected by the end of the month.
- In the next 30 days, steel joists will be erected. These joists will span the distances between the large structural steel members currently visible and allow roof work to begin shortly afterward.
In spring 2008, McNeese broke ground on its anticipated renovation and addition to the Shearman Fine Arts Center. Once completed, the $21 million project will result in a premiere center for arts, music and performance in Southwest Louisiana. The renovated fine arts complex will be located in the most visible area of the university and will serve as a beacon for McNeese.
Highlights of the project include:
- New performance hall and expanded music department that connects to the renovated second floor by bridge.
- An addition of more than 52,000 gross square feet, resulting in a complex more than twice its current size.
- Expanded space for the departments of ceramics and photography.
- Widened north/south spine that serves as an extension to the theater lobby.
- New gallery for the visual arts department.
- Contemporary architectural design that complements the adjacent historic art deco buildings through compatible exterior detailing.
The original building was constructed in 1948, with major additions in 1962 and 1981. No renovations were performed in the 1962 or 1981 additions. In 1993, the entire complex was re-roofed, cleaned, and waterproofed.
Click on a photo below to see artist renderings or construction progress.
Construction Update 4-8-08 |
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