A $40 million initiative to add a new wing to Grainger Hall can begin this summer, following the demolition of 905 University Ave, a building commonly identified by the \Bucky Badger"" clocks on its exterior.
The demolition is set for August, according to a UW-Madison statement. During construction the traffic and the bike lane on University Avenue and Park Street will remain unaffected. The bus stops along these two streets will be moved further down the block.
According to UW-Madison, the university will preserve the ""Bucky"" clocks on the building.
Alan Fish, director of Facilities Planning and Management, said that this building will be especially environmentally friendly. ""We are using recycled materials in the building,"" Fish said. ""We are building a very energy-efficient building. We'll have a lot of day lighting, and the storm water will be managed largely on the site.""
This addition will feature a rotunda along University Avenue and Park Street. The rotunda will have a waterfall wall, an atrium and full room to accommodate 300 people. The building will also have an MBA career center, state-of-the-art classrooms and other resources for the graduate students.
The addition of the new wing will also benefit undergraduate students in the current building by freeing up space. ""[This project] kills two birds with one stone-it will improve both programs,"" Associate Dean of the business school Jim Johannes said.
Business-related student organizations have their own brand new office space. In addition, the deli area in the southeast side of the building will expand to serve more students.
The new addition is being funded by $30 million from private donors and $10 million from the state. Fall 2007 is the estimated completion date.
