Beginning the plans for a new Computer Science and Technology Facility has begun with the demolition of Southeastern Hall. No roads will be closed off due to the demolition, but parking will be affected.
The Lion’s Roar / File Photo

Southeastern Hall has begun undergoing demolition. In its place will be a brand new Computer Science and Technology Facility.

The destruction will take about a month, but students only need to worry about parking.

“No roads will be closed off,” said director of Facility Planning Kenneth Howe. “But there will be an effect on parking in the area. We are in the process of developing additional parking on that end of campus to alleviate the situation.”  

The faculty and students that were located in Southeastern Hall have been moved to a new location. According to Howe, this was a planned move with the construction of the Student Union.

“There were planned moves in concert with the Student Union construction,” said Howe. “The Psychology Department and some other faculty that were located on the second floor of Southeastern Hall are now housed on the second floor of Mims Hall. Student Excellence, that was on the first floor, has moved to their newly built location in the Student Union.”

Students need not worry about walking near the demolition site, as sidewalks will be available.

“There should be little effect on the daily activities of students,” said Howe. “The sidewalks are available for use around the area.” 

Some students have class near the demolition site, and they have different opinions.

“The construction next to White Hall is an inconvenience to me and my fellow students,” said junior communication sciences and disorders major Lauren Boudreaux. “Before construction, parking was a nightmare, and now it’s to the point where I have to follow people to their car to make sure I get a spot. Also, it is very difficult to concentrate when the building next to you is being demolished.” 

Another student also complains that parking makes it difficult to get to class.

“It’s a real inconvenience for people who have the majority of their classes in the back by White Hall,” said junior communication sciences and disorders major Brooke Nalesnik. “If you can’t get there almost 30 minutes to an hour before class, odds are you aren’t going to find a spot, and you’re going to have to park on the opposite side of campus and walk, which makes the inconvenience worse. Especially for upperclassmen, since we lost our upperclassmen privileges by them taking away our entire lot.” 

They have already begun preparations for this new building and hope it will be up within a couple years.

“They have already begun foundation prep for areas not under the existing building,” said Howe. “The contract is for 17 months. Our goal is to be complete before the Fall 2017 semester.”