The University of Toledo facilities battle aging infrastructure

The University of Toledo has faced a multitude of infrastructure failures since the beginning of the fall semester. University facilities works to combat these failures of an old infrastructure with limited resources.

“We have an aging system. It’s an older campus so there is a lot of upkeep and things to be done,” said Jim Graff, Director of Facilities Operation. “We do it as funding allows and try to make the worst spots better.”

“That is just one little roof. The Student Union has many roofs, so we are just taking care of that one portions where the ramps are right now,” Graff said.

In previous weeks, the ramps have been caution taped off because of the work being done on the roof.

“With the ongoing roofing project we had some work to complete with the existing roof drains. We closed areas in the ramp section to gain access to make needed repairs,” said Jason Toth, Associate Vice President for Facilities and Construction.

Though other roofs in the Student Union also need repairs and improvements, that is something for the future –money allowing, said Graff, and is not currently being planned.

During the second week of classes, students were welcomed back to campus with a water main break. Students and certain buildings –including Honors Academic Village, MacKinnon Hall, Scott Hall, and Tucker Hall –were without water for over 24 hours

“Unfortunately water main breaks do happen and are unavoidable. They can happen for any number of reasons,” Toth said. “In this particular case, it was likely the age of the line that caused the failure, as we discovered a large rupture of a 12-inch main.”

Graff noted that the water main was probably put in about 30 years ago. The problem has been fixed and there should not be any more issues regarding that water main and it is unlikely UT’s water bill will be affected, Toth added.

“To fix this issue, we actually drained the line, cut out the ruptured section, and replaced with a new section of pipe. The line has been restored to full function,” Toth said.

Along with fixing unexpected issues, the facilities and construction team also work on updating the university. This includes recent renovations to the library. During phase two of these renovations, which happened over the summer, the third and fourth floors were renovated after not being touched since the Library was constructed in the 1972. In December the next phase of this construction will begin.

“We reviewed the prints last week,” said Graff, “so it’s going to be out for bid probably from December throughout the year into next summer, which will be the exterior portion.”

The next phase will continue to tie the library together, according to Graff. The second half of the second floor will also be completed.

“The largest impact will be the installation of glass curtain wall along the east elevation of the building on floors two through five. This will allow a great deal of natural light to enter into the space reaching back into the building up to the elevators,” Toth said.

Savage Arena and the Glass Bowl also recently completed upgrades. Savage Arena has more offices and a dining facility on the second floor, while the visitor’s side in the Glass Bowl has updated restrooms, concession stands and a more open feel.

“The Glass Bowl was opened up a lot. Students will enjoy it,” Graff said. “It looks really nice.”

According to Graff, other buildings will continue to see construction including window replacements that will be finished in UHall, elevators that will be replaced and repaired and buildings will be weatherproofed. Toth added that renovations to chilled water plans will provide better air conditioning. There will be mechanical system repairs and replacements and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system replacements in Snyder and North Engineering.

According to Toth, a good majority of this work will happen over summer so students are not disrupted.

“We try our hardest to make sure that we don’t inconvenience the students,” Graff said. “When we have an issue, we try to get it out in front and try to make them understand that we just can’t fix everything immediately.”