The wooden columns are original to the 1927 construction of the building.
“The columns have been refurbished a number of times,” over the decades, said Ken Dietz, director of planning, design and construction. “The cycle of needing repair and refurbishing has become more frequent in recent years. They now require replacement due to deterioration.”
New columns also are made of wood and have been custom fabricated to the dimensions and tapered to match the architect’s original design, he said.
The entire length of the each column will be replaced with the exception of the decorative capitals.
“We are allowing five weeks to complete the work, but it could be less depending on what needs to be done to protect the capitals,” said Larry Owsley, vice president of business affairs.
The work should not disrupt traffic flow or parking on The Oval, but if circumstances change, the campus community will be notified, Dietz said.
