The final weeks of preparation are underway for breaking ground on the Norman and Evangeline Hagfors Center for Science, Business, and Religion. Below is a summary of current and upcoming activities. During construction, both pedestrians and drivers should proceed with care to ensure their safety and that of others on campus.
Construction continues on the west side of Oren Gateway Center
Reconstruction of the area west of Oren Gateway Center is underway. This work will create an expanded area for utilities support equipment. Additional screening will be installed as part of this project. City of Minneapolis parking restrictions may remain in force along 21st Avenue between 7th Street and Riverside Avenue, though access to the delivery area for the bookstore will be maintained.
Sidewalk repair on 8th Street South and 21st Avenue South
Utility work has been completed on 21st Avenue between 7th Street South and the I-94 freeway wall and on 8th Street South between 20th and 21st avenues. Sidewalk repair will continue along those streets, but parking will again be available with an Augsburg parking permit.
Electrical service work in Lot F
This week, electrical service work will begin on the northwest corner of Anderson Residence Hall. The work includes removing some existing mechanical equipment and installing a temporary transformer to provide electrical service to the construction site. Two parking stalls in the southwest corner of Lot F will be taken offline to provide space for needed equipment installation.
Initial construction fencing
Construction fencing near the community garden will be installed beginning Monday, April 18. This section of the fencing will not impact any parking area. This portion of fencing is being installed now to ensure that the community gardens may be planted without disruption from fence installation at a later date.
Cottonwood tree trimming complete
Pruning work has been completed on the large cottonwood tree near the community garden. The trimming has stabilized and reshaped the tree, extending its potential lifespan.
Parking and street closure for groundbreaking and construction
On Friday, April 29, Augsburg will host a donor groundbreaking ceremony for the Hagfors Center. The event will involve two large construction vehicles on the site for staging purposes; however, there will be no excavation until construction begins May 2. Lot G will close for the groundbreaking ceremony; it will reopen for commencement on Saturday, April 30, and then close permanently.
Lot F and 7th Street South will remain open until noon on Monday, May 2, to accommodate the final student move-out from Anderson and Luther residence halls. As of Monday afternoon, May 2, Lot F and 7th Street South between 20th and 21st avenues will be closed permanently.
Construction of the Hagfors Center will commence the week of May 2, beginning with installation of the remainder of the construction site fencing. Over the first couple of weeks, construction activities will include trailer setup, excavation, hauling of soil offsite, parking lot and tree removal (note: the cottonwood tree near the community gardens will not be removed due to construction), and demolition of the existing house at 623 20th Avenue South.