Kale Fein '07

The Koch Center will not be completed until January, 2006. According to Headmaster Eric Widmer, "The current schedule calls for the science department to move in during spring break, and the math department during the winter term, depending on the stale of the building."

Originally slated to open for the 2005-2006 academic year, the construction has been set hack due to inclement weather and failure to meet high quality expectations.

The main delay is due to the concrete setting. "Nothing can happen until the floors are set, and because of the rain last summer, the critical concrete pours took longer than expected. If there was even a threat of rain, we delayed the concrete," said Scott Kirkham, the project architect.

"Because the building is designed and built from the inside out, the beginning of construction is indispensable" said Mr. Kirkharn. From the outside, the construction looks slow and passive, yet on the inside, the groundwork for classrooms and offices is nearly complete.

"The crane incident did not really delay the construction. The project is very complex, and its extroverted design does not allow for mistakes early on." said Mr. Kirkham.

The building should be fully enclosed by the summer, and at that time, the electrical and fiber optics systems will be installed, along with the glass staircases, modulating color windows, and star fields.

The café will "offer a more upscale menu including panini sandwiches, soups, pastries, and many of the drinks and candy currently available in the Greer store." says Florrie Paige, Director of Food Services. In addition, plans include an outdoor patio and a flat screen television.

"The fifty to one hundred workers who arrive daily should be able to complete the job by the projected completion date, even though we will not forgo quality." said Doug Blowers, clerk and manager of the site.