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    First Floor Remodel Update
    May 2026
    Tim Bent Jr.

    Greetings, Grainger Hall!

    With summer break just around the corner, we wanted to end Spring 2026 on a positive note with more progress. The construction team is still hard at work installing the framing and support infrastructure within the existing building. Outside, we are wrapping up the underground mechanical room, which will allow our crane to arrive after commencement. This point will mark the beginning of our Mansukhani Family Atrium (the M) build-out, which will start to gradually appear over the summer months.

    As we push forward, this phase will cause some spontaneous noise, but we expect more isolated instances, constrained to the work area. We will continuously monitor any disruption this phase may cause and work closely with the contractor to minimize impact during class times, especially during our week of finals.

    To summarize what we can expect, please continue to monitor the progress of this timeline, highlighting major activities to be aware of.

    What to Expect

    Demolition
    Phase 3 of Demolition: Expected to occur during the summer, this phase of demolition will involve blocking off various areas in hallways and department spaces on the second, third, fourth, and fifth floors. This effort will be coordinated through public communication and/or directly with the department affected.

    Courtyard Foundations & Buildout

    • The new mechanical room is nearing completion.
    • Repairing and waterproofing the courtyard foundation is expected to be finished by June.
    • Installation of the crane is expected the week after commencement.
    • Structural steel—the support structure for the courtyard buildout—will begin in June, directly after waterproofing of the foundation is complete.
    • This is a disruptive activity that will be contained to the summer months. We expect the low occupancy during this time to drastically limit impact, but we will continue to monitor building use.
    • Steel stair framing will be installed in July.
    • The courtyard buildout facade is expected to begin in August.
    • Removal of the crane is expected before Fall 2026.
    • Installation of utilities to support the buildout (ongoing).

    Framing & Infrastructure
    Interior framing, interior infrastructure, and enclosing the courtyard are underway.

    Installation of Interior Framing on the Existing Building

    • Near completion.
    • Drywall is expected to begin in May, followed by paint and tile installation.
    • Ceiling grid and finishes are anticipated to begin in June.
    • Flooring, trim, and doors will begin toward the end of the summer and carry into Fall 2026.

    Installation of Interior Infrastructure

    • Another full building shutdown is needed over the summer to activate all new electrical connections.
    • A separate communication on this activity will be sent as we get closer to its timeframe.

    Enclosing the Courtyard

    • Expected to begin closer to Fall 2026.
    • Once in place, the trades will begin outfitting the interior of the Mansukhani Family Atrium (the M) with framing, support infrastructure, and FFE.

    Finishes, Furniture, & Equipment (FFE)
    As we complete framing and infrastructure in each area, the installation of finishes, furniture, and equipment (FFE) will begin to outfit the space for use.

    • Finishes: Currently verifying samples from various vendors to confirm design intent.
    • Furniture: All furniture is now on order.
    • Equipment: Currently verifying specifications from various vendors to confirm design intent.

    Closing
    Individuals and departments directly impacted by the remodel efforts will be engaged separately as needed. General information and timely updates on the disruption can be found on the Commons. As a resource for any external stakeholders, including progress photos, feel free to share the Badger Blueprint webpage for relevant news and updates.

    Please keep an eye out for these newsletters for updates on each major milestone listed in the timeline above.

    As always, my colleagues in Facilities and I are here to help if you have any questions. We are looking forward to this next step, and please spread the word!

    Thank you,
    Tim Bent Jr.

First Floor Remodel Update
March 2026
Tim Bent Jr.

Greetings, Grainger Hall!

The second phase of the first floor remodel—demolition and excavation in the courtyard—is complete! The construction team has now moved to framing and installing support infrastructure. This phase is expected to cause some spontaneous noise, but daily disruption should be limited and temporary. We will continue to monitor for any disruptive noise this phase may cause and work closely with the contractor to minimize impact during peak class times.

To summarize what we can expect, please continue to monitor the progress of this timeline, highlighting major activities to be aware of.

Demolition
The final demolition efforts will involve blocking off various areas in hallways and department spaces on the second, third, fourth, and fifth floors. These efforts will be coordinated through public communication and/or directly with the department affected.

Courtyard Excavation & Foundations
Rough excavation is complete. Work will begin for the new mechanical room and foundation. Here’s what to expect in the coming months:

  • Digging down to the first floor of the parking garage for a new mechanical room buildout.
  • Repairing and waterproofing the courtyard foundation.
  • Installing a crane.

The initial installation of the crane was shifted after further review of logistics and safety. These discussions are ongoing, and we will provide further communication once further direction is given.

Installing utilities to support the buildout (ongoing).

Framing & Infrastructure

Installation of Framing
The top rail of the framing is expected to create vibration as it will be secured directly to the floor above. This will be spontaneous and will quickly move locations as the construction team secures each run.

Floor Grinding
This is a disruptive activity, but we are working with the contractor to schedule this where it has the least impact.

Installation of Infrastructure

  • Multiple locations where concrete coring will take place.
  • Full building power shutdown expected to tie in new electrical feeds.

We are coordinating this work for spring break and will send further communication as we get closer to that timeframe.

Enclosure of the Courtyard
Setting structural steel beams, installation of the steel frame for the new grand staircase, and securing steel to the existing building. These are disruptive activities, but we are working with the contractor to schedule them where they have the least impact.

Finishes, Furniture, & Equipment
Once framing and infrastructure are complete, the installation of finishes, furniture, and equipment (FFE) will begin, outfitting the space for use.

General information, progress photos, and timely updates can be found on the Badger Blueprint webpage. All urgent messages regarding disruption will be posted on the myBiz blog.

Please keep an eye out for these newsletters at the end of each major milestone listed in the timeline above.

Thank you,
Tim Bent Jr.

Construction Update: Demolition Continues
January 2026
Tim Bent Jr.

Greetings, Grainger Hall!

Welcome back from winter break! We are making great progress with demolition, advancing us closer to framing, which is set to begin later this spring. Once again, we anticipate that the end of the demolition phase will cause the most disruption, but we will continue to work closely with the contractor to minimize impact during class times.

To summarize what we can expect, please continue to monitor the progress of this timeline, highlighting major activities to be aware of.

What to Expect

Demolition

Phase 2
The construction team is currently working through this phase of demolition to remove all existing walls & infrastructure, making way for the new build. A few things to note:

  • All barriers from phase two of demolition are in place.
  • Interior ceiling and walls are removed.
  • Existing infrastructure is being removed or rerouted to support the buildout (January–February).

Phase 3
This phase of demolition will involve blocking off various areas in hallways and department spaces on the second, third, fourth, and fifth floors. This effort will be coordinated through public communication and/or directly with the department affected.

Courtyard Excavation & Foundations
Excavation is nearing completion, which places us into digging the mechanical room and laying out the new foundations. What we can expect in the coming months:

  • Installing steel foundation piles to support the new buildout (January–February).
  • This is a disruptive activity, but we are working with the contractor to schedule this when it is least disruptive.
  • A new mechanical room requires digging down to the first floor of the parking garage (January–March).
  • Installation of a crane for the buildout (February).
  • Repairing and waterproofing the courtyard foundation (February–March).
  • Installation of structural steel (March–April).
  • This is a disruptive activity, but we are working with the contractor to schedule this when it is least disruptive.
  • Installation of the steel frame for the new grand staircase (May).
  • This is a disruptive activity, but we are working with the contractor to schedule this when it is least disruptive.
  • Installation of utilities to support the buildout (ongoing).

Framing and Infrastructure
Enclosing the courtyard, interior framing, and interior infrastructure is expected to begin between March–April 2026.

Individuals and departments directly impacted by the remodel efforts will be engaged separately as needed. General information and timely updates on the disruption can be found on the Commons. As a resource for any external stakeholders, including progress photos, please feel free to share the Badger Blueprint webpage for relevant news and updates.

Please keep an eye out for these newsletters at the end of each major milestone listed in the timeline above.

As always, my colleagues in Facilities and I are here to help if you have any questions. We invite you to share this bulletin with colleagues and partners visiting Grainger Hall for their awareness.

Thank you,
Tim Bent Jr.

First Floor East Wing to Close Week of Nov. 24
November 2025
Tim Bent Jr.

Greetings, Grainger Hall!

Construction preparations are nearing a close, and we are officially moving into the larger portion of demolition! This phase will remove all existing fixtures, framing, and infrastructure, and begin the excavation of our courtyard. It is anticipated that this phase will cause the most disruption, but we will work closely with the contractor to minimize any major activities during class times.

To summarize what we can expect, please continue to monitor the progress of this timeline, highlighting major activities to be aware of.

What to Expect

Construction Begins
We are nearing the end of setup, but there are a few efforts still in the works:

  • The entire south side of Brooks St. will be closed by the end of November.
  • The barrier to the courtyard will go up prior to excavation. In the meantime, cones with caution tape will be placed to deter traffic.
  • The southeast emergency stairwell exit outside of classroom 2520 is being rerouted to avoid the construction area. See this map for more details.

Demolition

The first phase of demolition will see the water wall and surrounding areas demolished to prepare for the shutdown of the first-floor east wing. This work is expected to be complete by Nov. 21.

The second phase of demolition, which involves the entire east wing of the first floor, will be blocked off and remain closed until the end of construction.

Finishing the week of Nov. 10 & Nov. 17:

  • Second-floor barriers on the bridge and balconies overlooking the east atrium will be installed.
  • The central stairwell (with the murals) barrier tunnel will be built at its opening on the first floor by the end of Nov. 21. This will allow the stairwell to remain open for navigation to the second level of the parking garage, the fourth floor, and for occupants to exit the building.

STATUS UPDATE Starting the week of Nov. 24:

  • The courtyard and the first floor of the east wing will be closed. Physical signage is placed at all entrances to the building affected.
  • Elevators 8 and 9 will no longer reach the first floor, which will last through the end of construction.
  • The third phase of demolition will involve blocking off various areas in hallways and department spaces on the second, third, fourth, and fifth floors.
  • This effort will be coordinated through public communication and/or directly with the department affected.

Courtyard Excavation & Foundations
The courtyard will be blocked, allowing heavy machinery to excavate and prepare the footings for our new structure.

Mass excavation is set to begin in December, which includes:

  • Removal of crane anchor from the 2007 east wing build.
  • Adding a new mechanical room that requires digging down to the first floor of the parking garage.
  • Installation of utilities to support the buildout.
  • Repairing and waterproofing the roof of parking level one in our parking garage.
  • Installing steel foundation piles to support the new buildout.
  • This is a heavy-noise activity, but we are working with the contractor to schedule this when it is least disruptive.
  • Installation of the steel frame for the new grand staircase.
  • This is a heavy-noise activity, but we are working with the contractor to schedule this when it is least disruptive.
  • Installation of a crane for the buildout.

Framing and Infrastructure
Demolition, excavation, and foundation work are expected to be completed between March and April 2026. This will lead us into the installation of our new interior framing, interior infrastructure, and enclosing the courtyard.

Individuals and departments directly impacted by the remodel efforts will be engaged separately as needed. General information and timely updates on the disruption can be found on the Commons. As a resource for any external stakeholders, please feel free to share the Badger Blueprint webpage for relevant news and updates.

Please keep an eye out for these newsletters at the end of each major milestone listed in the timeline above.

As always, my colleagues in Facilities and I are here to help if you have any questions. We are looking forward to this next step, and please spread the word!

Thank you,
Tim Bent Jr.

First Floor Remodel Update
October 2025
Tim Bent Jr.

Greetings, Grainger Hall!

We are delighted to announce that the first-floor remodel will formally begin on Monday, October 20th! This initial mobilization will involve some amount of setup before we start to hear the familiar noise of heavy equipment and power tools.

To summarize what we can expect, we have put together a timeline and highlighted some major activities within this initial phase to be mindful of.

Anticipated Construction Timeline
The timeline and/or milestones are subject to change.

What to Expect

Transportation

  • Parts of Brooks St. and Park St. will be closed starting on Wednesday, October 22.
  • Approximately 80 parking stalls in Lot 7 will be blocked. All permit holders (including flex pass) will still have access to park, but visitor parking will be significantly impacted. Transportation services will be communicating this change directly to permit holders in greater detail by the end of the week.
  • The bus stop on Brooks St. will relocate starting Monday, October 20. Please see Metro Transit Detours page for more information.

Temporary Environmental Signage
There will be temporary building signage to redirect and inform patron traffic that will go up in October and November.

Demolition Barriers

The first phase of demolition will block off the water wall and surrounding areas from October to November. During this time, all spaces within this area will be demolished. Aside from this barrier, all other patron traffic will remain unchanged during this process.

The second phase of demolition will block off the entire first floor east wing starting in November until the end of construction. See this map with anticipated closures.

  • The courtyard will be fenced in, and all entrances to the east wing will be closed during this time. Physical signage will be placed at entrances before closing with additional information.
  • The central stairwell (with the murals) will remain open. A demolition barrier will be built at its opening on the first floor, allowing occupants to exit the building.
  • Elevators 8 and 9 in the east wing will remain open, but will no longer access the first floor.
  • Public areas on the second floor will also have barriers.
  • The third phase of demolition blocks off miscellaneous areas in corresponding hallways and department spaces. This will begin in December. These spaces will be coordinated during breaks and/or with the department occupants.

Demolition
Demolition of all existing fixtures, framing, and infrastructure will begin in November and likely last through February. In addition, the courtyard excavation will see the same timeline.

Individuals and departments who are directly impacted by the efforts of this remodel will be engaged separately as needed, but general information and/or timely updates on the disruption can be found on the Commons Badger Blueprint Page. As a resource for any external stakeholders, please feel free to share this link for relevant news and updates.

Please keep a lookout for these newsletters at the end of each major milestone listed above in the timeline.

As always, my colleagues in Facilities and I are here if you have any questions, and I hope you are as excited as we are!

Thank you,
Tim Bent Jr.