As Monroe Hall’s design plans near completion, preparation for construction and drive pilings are present around the building.

Over 400 meetings have been held to finalize plans for Monroe Hall. Although those plans are not yet complete, preparation for construction has already begun. This work includes putting up fences around the Academic Quad and along Miller Hall, up to the future Tom Benson Jesuit Center. Students will paint these fences in the spring semester. The Loyola Street entrance is also now closed to make space for a crane.

These areas have been closed for the estimated 55 drive pilings to be conducted throughout winter break.

“We are trying to make it look as presentable as possible since it will be there for three plus years,” said Bret Jacobs, vice provost for Information Technology and a consultant for the Facilities Planning Group, the committee that oversees university construction.

The renovations will include the addition of two floor levels. The building will remain operational, so existing floors will be shut down two at a time for renovation. Floors will open one at a time upon completion. There will be new entries and a new structure for the stairwells since those will be completely reconstructed.

For now, the only usable entries are in the Palm Court between Monroe Hall and the Communications/Music Complex.

Facilities Planning Group is planning to move offices, classrooms and academic resources for the upcoming construction. Though there are no locations scheduled to be used yet, members did say that buildings like Marquette Hall may house offices and classrooms.

“We are real pleased to find enough space on campus to work with,” Jacobs said.

Monroe Hall will be LEED certified, like the recently renovated Thomas Hall. To be LEED certified, environmentally friendly elements must be in the building and disruptive aspects must be taken out to receive points for certification. Upon the building’s completion, it will take a year to determine what level of certification the building receives.

“This is a huge step forward for the university on many levels,” Jacobs said.

Monroe Hall’s estimated completion is summer 2015. The date is subject to change.

Kristen Diaz can be reached at [email protected]

LEFT (KELSI ALLENBACH/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)