Glueck Center Construction Plods On

Though at first glance it may not seem to be the case, construction on the Glueck Center of Jewish Study at Yeshiva University continued throughout the summer months. Nevertheless, the project has a new projected completion date of June 30, 2009, approximately one year past the originally scheduled completion date.

This change is largely due to the fact that the onset of the construction was delayed by four months due to the discovery of a large rock in the excavation site. Despite two test borings, the rock remained undiscovered until the actual digging began. Robert Salpeter, Director of Planning, Design and Construction for the University, noted that this was merely an issue of bad luck. "It's not unusual [for such rocks to be found,] especially here [in the Heights]." Vice President of Supporting Services Jeffrey Rosengarten concurred, stating, "The borings just missed it."

There has been much debate on campus as to the validity of a rumor stating that lack of funds caused a pause in the construction. When questioned about this rumor, Vice President Rosengarten stated that this was simply illogical, as construction did not cease. However, Vice President Rosengarten did admit, "we don't have all the money needed to build the entire Glueck Center." The Gluecks gave a portion of the required funds for the center, but they did not donate the entire amount. "Universities build buildings all the time without all the funds raised," Mr. Rosengarten said. The University is constantly raising more funds for the center. It has recently secured a one million dollar donation through the office of Institutional Advancement. However, Mr. Rosengarten noted that "there are still a few floors available for sponsoring if anyone is interested."

Much of the construction that took place over the summer was interior detailing, and as such, is not very noticeable to the average passer-by. But if one pays close attention, one notices the air conditioning ducts, black drainage, and heating pipes that have been installed. President Joel agreed that the progress might not be blatantly obvious, but asserted that there has been steady progress

To date, the excavation and foundation have been finished, the structural steel skeleton has been erected and fireproofed, and the concrete floors have been poured. Currently, work is being done on the heating and air-conditioning duct system, electrical work has been started, and application of the façade has commenced as well. The north face of the building, visible from Washington Terrace and 186th Street, has had its central concrete façade erected.

Many students have no doubt wondered why the pace of construction was not increased during the summer months. When asked, President Joel responded, "why spend extra money to finish a building that we won't be able to use?" Were construction to be sped up, President Joel noted, the center could be finished in November but it would not be practically usable. It would be difficult to move classes, offices and a Beit Midrash in the middle of the semester. Hence, the timing of the construction was reworked to allow for a summer completion, when all the moving and restructuring could be done with the least amount of fuss and impact to the student body of the University.