Outdoor Walkways At North Campus Getting $4 Million Makeover

North Campus’ outdoor walkways are undergoing a $4 million restoration.

Renovations, which began in December, are addressing the deteriorating conditions of the columns and the 14×16 concrete canopies, some of which had cracks, chips and leaks. LED lights are also being installed.

The walkways, which are designed to protect pedestrians from sun and water exposure, extend for approximately 3,280 feet around campus. They are located near the 1000, 2000, 3000, 4000, 5000 and 8000 buildings. 

“We are committed to making improvements for our students, faculty and community,” said Evelyn Rodriguez, the senior director of campus administration at North Campus, who added that the project is the biggest restoration to the canopies in years. 

Work is expected to be completed by the end of the summer. 

For many, the revamp has been long awaited.

“Sometimes, when I would walk under [the walkway], I could feel the water just spilling on my face. It’s annoying because every time I’m trying to count the seconds [off] when [the droplets] were gonna jump, to see if I can make it, and it [would] just fall on me,” said Marthe Metayer, a tutor in TRIO Student Support Services. “I hope that things get fixed as soon as possible.” 

Because the project blocks off central passageways, the campus created alternative routes using portable tents.

However, the restoration has created some issues. 

Jeaneth Chavez and Sailin Rodriguez, baristas at the Lakeside Café, said that the dust generated by the construction has irritated their throats and hindered cleanliness. 

“Our boss has come to tell us our workplace is dirty, but in reality, we are cleaning very often,” Chavez said. 

Rodriguez said that plastic covers were used near the worksite to contain debris.

“This is an active campus where people are constantly coming in,” she said. “We need to keep our areas as contained and clean as possible.”

The commotion on the construction site has also affected communication with customers.

“With the noise, you can’t hear any of their orders,” Sailin said. “You have to yell, ‘What?!’” 

According to Rodriguez, construction workers have accommodated their schedule to campus life. They conduct noisier work during hours when there is less foot traffic, such as afternoons, winter break or spring break.

Biopharmaceutics student Catherine Eusebio hopes the revamped walkways connecting the 1000 building to the 4000 building are better lit because she often leaves her job at Single Stop in the evenings. 

“It was dark before,” Eusebio said. “It’s not very comfortable to walk in the dark, especially when you’re by yourself.”  

Despite the inconveniences, Rodriguez said the campus remains loyal to upholding their motto, Students First.

“This is an environment students and staff almost treat like their home, right?” Rodriguez said. “You want them to feel comfortable in their home and that is key for us, even in the middle of all this construction.”

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