UBC Vancouver – Construction Update – May 2013

The University is currently making significant investments in new and upgraded infrastructure to support Place & Promise goals. The level of construction activity is quite high right now and we want to ensure that the campus community is regularly updated on the latest projects and associated timelines. We plan to issue regular construction updates like this to keep you informed.
 
Each of the projects noted below involves pedestrian detours around fenced construction sites to ensure the safety of the campus community. These detours will be clearly marked. Intermittent road or walkway closures in the vicinity of a construction site may be required from time to time during construction. Every effort will be made to minimize disruption. If longer term closures are required this will be communicated well in advance. Please refer to the project map for the location of each of the current construction projects.
 

Projects currently underway include:

1)	New AMS Student Union Building
	A unique destination developed by students for students that will serve as a central gathering place for all students to connect, interact and create a dynamic community on campus. Located on University Square just to the south of the existing SUB. The project cost of $103.26 million is funded primarily through AMS student fees plus a $25 million contribution from the UBC Trek Endowment. Construction is underway. Completion Aug 2014.
2)	Ponderosa Commons
	One of five proposed “commons” designed to increase on-campus student housing and create vibrant social and academic centres, bringing life to the core of campus 24 hours a day, 12 months of the year. Ponderosa Commons is located at the corner of University Blvd and West Mall and will include 1,116 student residence beds, academic space for the Faculties of Arts and Education, collegia for commuter students, a child care facility and a range of other amenities . The project cost of $167.4 million is funded through housing rental revenue, Faculty reserves and donor fundraising. Phase 1 construction is underway Phase 2 design is in progress. Phase 1 completion Sep 2013. Phase 2 completion Sep 2015.
3)	Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health
	A translational research facility that will bring together patient clinics and research in neuroscience, neurology and psychiatry, spanning the entire spectrum of brain health. A partnership between the UBC Faculty of Medicine, Vancouver Coastal Health and the Brain Research Centre. Located on Wesbrook Mall at UBC Hospital. This $68.8 million project is funded through contributions from the Provincial and Federal governments and private donors including the Djavad Mowafaghian Foundation. Construction is progressing on plan.  Completion Oct 2013.
4)	Bookstore Expansion
	An addition to the north and east side of the UBC Bookstore to provide increased retail and cafe space and to bring the store’s entrance to grade level, complementing the public realm development at the corner of University Boulevard and East Mall.   The project will include a new mezzanine with seating space to support the café and informal learning.   The project has a capital cost of $6 million and will be self-funded by the Bookstore.  Target completion Sep 2013.
5)	Public Realm
	A series of landscape upgrade projects to improve walkways, street lighting, street furniture, wayfinding signage and storm drainage with an overall goal to create a safer, more attractive and pedestrian friendly campus. The total Public Realm program cost is $46 million spread over 15 years. Funding is from Infrastructure Impact Charges (IICs) levied on non-academic campus development projects. Current Public Realm projects include:
a)	University Boulevard (Wesbrook Mall to East Mall). Reconfiguration of trolley bus loop completed Sep 2012.  The new trolley bus loop is now operational with new bus stops located on the south side of University Blvd between Wesbrook Mall and East Mall.  Bus shelter installation is now complete, as is the landscape and connecting walkway between University Boulevard and the War Memorial Gym/GSAB parking lot.
6)	Steam to Hot Water Conversion
	Replacement of aging steam heating system with a more energy efficient hot water system that will ultimately reduce campus GHG emissions by 22%. This $88.3 million project is funded through energy savings plus a contribution from Infrastructure Impact Charges. Pipe replacement work is currently underway in synergy with Public Realm projects. 18 buildings have so far been connected to the hot water loop.  The overall project will be completed in phases over the next 3 years. Overall completion Dec 2015.

Thank you for your patience during this period of intense construction.
If you have any questions regarding these projects please feel free to contact John Metras, Managing Director, Infrastructure Development at john.metras@ubc.ca or 604-822-4311