The CDR/Babcock Hall building project reached a major milestone: The project’s funding plan was approved by the state Building Commission on April 11 and by the UW Board of Regents on April 5. With these final approvals, the project has started to move into the construction phase.

Immediate next steps include: The construction contracts should be completed and signed by the end of May. After that, the state Division of Facilities Development (DFD) will issue a Notice to Proceed to C.D. Smith Construction, the general prime contractor selected to lead the work. At that point, C.D. Smith can occupy the site. The site fence is expected to go up in early June and the work to begin by mid- to late-June.

The project will move forward in phases. First steps involve constructing a new loading dock and milk receiving bay, as well as demolishing Science House. Next, construction will focus on the CDR addition. After that, the Babcock Hall Dairy Plant renovation will begin, likely in early 2020. The project is anticipated to be completed later in 2020.

A logistical note: Process piping and equipment drawings and specifications for the project are still being finalized. They are due in mid-May. This work will not go out for full bid. General contractor C.D. Smith will need to obtain quotes from three vendors. If the lowest quote exceeds the $8M allowance designated for this work, DFD will negotiate the final amount and determine if it requires additional approval from the Board of Regents and State Building Commission.

Information about construction milestones and a celebration event will be shared, as details become available.