The construction project throughout the district moves on as the Master Plan continues to unfold. Construction on the “Gateway”  is set to start soon and shuttle services have now been added.       

The construction of the addition to the front of Truax, which will be referred to as the Gateway building, was delayed. The delay was due to the bidding on the earth removal for the demolition in front, said Keith Cornille, Vice President of Student Development.

However, he added that construction on the Gateway building is imminent. It is expected to start within days.

Since that time, digging has started for the placement of a crane behind the building. Pieces of steel will be brought to campus through the courtyard behind the building.

The Health and Services building project, however, has actually been ahead of schedule, according to Cornille. The administration is pleased with the progress of the building.

“That’s a good sign,” Cornille said.

The front tower and elevator shaft have been constructed. Soon, steel will be put up for the building. Work on the water/sewer portion of the project will start soon as well. There will be construction along Anderson Street to complete this.

The Protective Services building is right on schedule, Cornille said. The construction crew has started tearing up the parking lot on the future site of the Protective Services building. Cornille wasn’t able to give an exact date, but the work on the foundation of the building will start soon.

At the regional campuses, construction will be taking place as well. In Reedsburg, earth removal has taken place. This project is also on schedule and construction is expected to be completed by next fall. Portage and Watertown will be seeing bids in December.

Madison College is also in the process of buying more land in the area as a part of the Master Plan. It is in negotiations with Dane County to purchase land on Highway 19 between Waunakee and Sun Prairie in the town of Westport. The college is purchasing that land to construct its firing range there.

“It’s actually even been something the college has been working on for a number of years,” Cornille said. “It made sense. Why should we build something that is already there?”

Cornille encourages students to give him feedback on the construction project. He can be contacted via email at [email protected].