Structural Steel Phase Begins at Ruane Center

A significant new phase of the construction of the Ruane Center for the Humanities began September 25 with the erection of the steel for the 63,000-square-foot, three-level building that is scheduled to open in September 2013.

This phase, which concludes with the leveling and welding of the steel, is expected to continue for approximately four to six weeks.

Once the steel is secured, the concrete floor decks will be poured, and the building will be prepared and “wrapped” for the winter season, according to Mark F. Rapoza ’90SCE, assistant vice president for capital projects and facilities planning.

A temporary roof and giant heaters then will be installed to allow contractors to work on the next phases of construction in comfortable, dry conditions, said Rapoza.

He added that, to date, approximately 1,300 cubic yards of concrete have been poured, the under-slab infrastructure has been installed, and the backfilling and waterproofing of foundations are complete.

Named in recognition of a leadership gift from Board of Trustees’ chair Michael A. Ruane ’71 and his wife, Elizabeth, the building is being constructed on the main campus between the Phillips Memorial Library and the Albertus Magnus science complex.