Sidewalk Construction vs. Homecoming 2017

The unfinished construction project lining the sidewalks of Elton C. Harrison Street will still be underway during this year’s homecoming festivities.
Leading the construction process since July 2017, are Title Three Infrastructure Director and Facilities Planner, Kestee Weir III, Lead Project Architect, Kim Ross and owner of The Luster Group, contractor, Floyd Luster Jr.
According to Weir, sidewalk construction will not largely disrupt this week’s homecoming activities, however, he is not sure how tailgating will be affected.
The streets will be fully accessible, with the exception of barricaded areas that are currently under construction.
The biggest concern is the safety of students. All debris and equipment will be removed to prevent injury.
Luster says the street will be as clean as possible. He also says concrete will be poured from the bookstore to Harding Boulevard on Friday, if weather permits.
He plans to have all of the sidewalks completely poured and almost finalized, within three weeks, following homecoming.
After the last home game, an asphalt contractor will repave E.C. Harrison Street, Harding Boulevard and Jesse Stone. The parking lot and crosswalks will be restriped. Americans with Disabilities, (ADA) Signage for vehicles will be addressed as well.
Luster stated, “My main goal is to give them a good product…to completely meet my contract obligations and make sure the sidewalks are ADA compliant.”
He also expressed excitement for future projects. Weir vouched for his competency adding, “We couldn’t have gotten a better contractor.”
The design process began around December 2016.
Following a lawsuit filed due to the lack of handicapped accessibility on campus, a federal judge placed the university under a federal consent decree, which states that all university facilities and streets must meet the (ADA) requirements. The university has attorneys and an ADA coordinator to oversee the renovations. Failure to adhere to ADA standards could result in additional lawsuits and repercussions from the federal judge. The construction includes improving the sidewalks, curb ramps, crosswalks and street overlay. Weir is satisfied with the process, saying “So far construction is on schedule and everything’s going smoothly.”
Each of the men are aware of the inconvenience that current construction is causing, however, they are confident in the process and their strength as a team to provide quality facilities for the student body.
They are all alumnus of the university.
Ross is seeking to improve the planning process for future projects. As a former Architecture professor at the university for 15 years, Ross said he better understands the minds and concerns of the students.
He says he understands the need to renovate the campus as necessary, with “minimal interruption” to the learning process and environment of the students. His goal is to “give the best product to the students because that’s what it’s all about.”
He also stated he has an open door policy, as he would like to know how the students feel about projects.
The deadline for the completion of demolition and construction of the sidewalks is December 31, 2017, although Weir does not anticipate it taking that long.