Crews will begin removing the greenhouse at Hutchison Hall the first week of November. This is the first step in the University’s Infrastructure and Utility Improvements project, which runs through fall 2027. Facilities will send notices like this one before each piece of work, and the timeline and updates will be posted on the projects update webpage.
This work will create noise and vibration that may be felt in nearby buildings. Over the past several months, the project team has worked closely with academic and research leadership in Hutchison Hall to identify and reduce potential disruptions to core functions. If you believe your work is affected, especially during the noise and vibration simulation, please contact the project team right away using the Contact us form.
Much of the infrastructure that keeps the University running is decades old. Delaying its replacement would cost more and increase the risk of unplanned outages in buildings and labs.
The ground beneath the greenhouse is where new electric, chilled water and telecom lines will run. Together, these new lines will create a loop of redundant utilities. When work is needed in the future, a small area can be shut off while the rest of campus keeps running, which means fewer and shorter outages for years to come. The new lines also lay the groundwork for the University’s move to VoIP phones.
Starting the greenhouse removal now means the chilled water work can happen over winter break, when it is least disruptive to research and teaching.