Construction Visit

03/02/15

                Today, we toured the construction site at 906 W Nevada, Urbana. This site is being developed into a veteran center. We were able to see the process of constructing a building.

                The basement of the building is primarily home to the operating systems of the building. It contains all of the electrical panels and elevator operating room. It is made out of concrete. This building will have two elevators to accommodate the possibly disabled users of the building.

                The first floor has a very open feel, even in construction. There will be a kitchen installed and an open lounge space. There are large windows on all sides, giving those inside a full view of their surroundings. This was needed to give the veterans a sense of safety. The kitchen will be used to help disabled veterans learn how to use modified appliances.

                The second floor will have offices, class rooms, and a physical therapy exercise room. The third floor will be dedicated to those veterans who will live in the center. Each room will have the capability of being handicap accessible, as a lift system can be set up.

                The building process is very future oriented. For example, all of the wires must be in precise place for the future appliances that might use them. Even some of the best laid plans don’t pan out. There is a bathroom on the first floor that has a few things in the ceiling that will need to be accessed for maintenance. However, they are in multiple places. So, even though for bathrooms it is more desirable to have a hard ceiling with an access panel, this bathroom will have a drop ceiling, for easier access.