Construction in Lind Hall has blocked off one of the first floor entrances as contractors replace the old steel windows. The project is being run by Construction Coordinator for CWU Facilities, Bill Lovell, who says that one of the biggest reasons for the change is because of heating issues going into summer.

“We’ve got a real issue with heat, during the summer the sun comes right through on that whole side of Lind. Those are 1/8th-inch glass panes and they really let in the heat and trap it,” Lovell said. “The new ones are Low-E thermal-pane windows that will cut down a huge amount of that heat.”

Construction is supposed to last until around mid-June according to both Lovell and the head contractor Matthew Levensis. Levensis says that the windows won’t change the look of the hall, they’ll just be made of different materials.

“We’re putting a window in that kind of mimics what was there originally, the old ones have seen their day,” Levensis said. “We’re putting in a window with a better energy rating, kind of kill two birds.”

Levensis leads a team of six to eight other contractors and said that CWU has allocated about $600,000 for the project overall.

Lovell said that most of the staff in Lind Hall have chosen to remain in their offices as much as possible.

“It’s easier because they don’t need to be relocated. The ones that have been relocated have been put in Hebler 105,” Lovell said. “The way it’s working from start to finish is about two or three windows from three or four offices at a time so we don’t have to move all of the faculty and classes from that whole side of Lind.”

According to Lovell, combatting the heat is going to be a multi-step process. After windows are installed, the next step is an air conditioning system for the hall.

“We’re trying to do it in the next fiscal year, it’s been requested through capital funding. You ask for it, request for it, beg for it and hopefully it comes through,” Lovell said.

Some have had to come up with their own solutions for fighting the heat in the meantime. David Mirro, HR technician for CWU Army ROTC, said that he has set up three fans in his office and many have gotten temporary AC units mounted in open windows.

“Even in the wintertime, the sun on a cool day, 30 degrees, would come in and overheat the room,” Mirro said. “They offered us to relocate [during the construction] but we have files and documents here we have to monitor, we just moved everything to the side of the room. I’m glad things are getting corrected and I’m looking forward to air conditioning, hopefully.”