Construction of the Lillis Business Complex continues ahead of schedule due
to the management of general contractor Lease Crutcher Lewis and a little help
from the weather.
Initial plans called for completing the Lillis Business Complex in December
2003. If things keep going well, the new academic teaching facility could be
open even earlier in the fall.
Construction officially began at a groundbreaking ceremony on April 2, 2002.
After demolition of the former Commonwealth Bridge between East and West Gilbert,
construction continued through the summer on erection of the structural steel
frame and floor decks, and completion of the foundation walls. In early fall
of 2002 all subterranean work was completed.
A "topping out" ceremony celebrated the placement of the last major
pieces of structural steel on October 24, 2002. With the steel in place, crews
finished welding and poured concrete for all the floors and atrium. Throughout
the fall and winter, masons completed the exterior brickwork and installed
windows while interior framing and mechanical work began.
Over Winter Break, the entire heating and ventilation system in Chiles Business
Center was replaced. Crews installed temperature sensors and control equipment,
and installed a state-of-the-art building management computer. All classrooms
in the Lillis Business Complex will contain occupancy sensors connected to
the building management computer. If a room is unoccupied, the heat will turn
down. If lights are left on, they will shut off after fifteen minutes. When
someone enters a room, the temperature readjusts within a few minutes.
In the winter months workers finished installing the roof on the atrium and
both sides of the building, while interior finish work began and masons completed
the brick veneer and stuccowork.
The Charles H. Lundquist College of Business looks forward to moving into
the building this fall. A ribbon cutting ceremony is scheduled for October
24. Check the Lillis Business Complex Website for updated
information. You'll also find more information on the facility, live Web cams,
and construction updates.
