ROTC demolition to begin
The University is preparing to demolish the ROTC building, 1402 University Ave., to make way for an addition to the Biotechnology Building.
The Air Force ROTC program has moved just across the street to 1327 University Ave., while the Army ROTC has moved to 1910 Linden Drive.
Construction on the addition to the Biotechnology Building, 425 Henry Mall, is expected to begin this fall and be completed by summer 2004. The total project will cost an estimated $27 million ($18 million in borrowing and $9 million gifts and grants).
The addition will house the Genome Center and the Laboratory of Genetics, which are now located in the 40-year-old Genetics Building. The new building will use the entire ROTC site. The south face of the addition will align with adjacent buildings while the north will come within 10 feet of the Lot 20 parking ramp.
ROTC demolition will take place during the following dates:
- Asbestos Abatement , Aug. 5-18
- Salvage of Building Materials, Aug. 5-16
- Demolition of Building, Aug. 26-Sept. 13
- Demolition of Foundations, Sept. 13-27
As a part of an agreement with the Wisconsin Historical Society, the contractor will removing two upper-level porticos and entry porches from the south side of the building, including the columns and engraved lintels, and an engraved interior fireplace surround. The contractor will also remove the cornerstone and the black iron fence discovered after some shrubs were removed.
These will be cataloged and stored for possible use in a future School of Nursing building. These items are significant to the school, as the ROTC Building was originally designed as a nurses’ dormitory.
The UW Physical Plant was able to salvage a lot of equipment and other materials from the ROTC Building. Workers have also transplanted some shrubs and trees from around the building.
During the demolition, parking Lot 20, and pedestrian, bike, and bus route access will remain unchanged.
As construction on the Biotechnology Building addition begins, access to parking will remain open, but could become more difficult at times. There will also be some changes to pedestrian walkways and bicycle routes. Bike racks located along the Lot 20 entrance drive will be temporarily moved. Pedestrians and cyclists are asked to use extra caution in the area during demolition and construction, as truck traffic will increase.
The Biotechnology Building addition is one of four projects included in the BioStar Initiative. Other projects contained in the building program include a new Microbial Sciences building, an addition and renovation to the Biochemistry building, and a new Interdisciplinary Sciences building.
BioStar is a building program aimed at maintaining UW–Madison’s status as a world leader in biotechnology research and encouraging growth in the state’s biotechnology business sector. BioStar was initially a 10-year building program, but funding for the program was accelerated under the budget adjustment bill passed by the Legislature and signed by Gov. Scott McCallum last month.