The saga of the Cornell Parking Structure project continues at UNM.
The construction project, a six-story, 400-space garage designed to ease the parking problems of University visitors, began in early September 2002 and was supposed to be finished within a year.
Nestled between Johnson Gym and UNM's Bookstore, the structure's progress was slowed by unforeseen problems that left UNM officials scrambling for answers.
After numerous contract extensions, the building was said to be nearly complete and ready to open in December. However, officials said they wanted to wait until the beginning of the spring semester to unveil their new creation to take advantage of the University community's return to campus.
That day has come and gone, but the project continues. Weary of not meeting yet another completion date, officials from Gerald Martin Contracting, the construction company in charge of the project, has set a new tentative deadline of late February.
Sabra Basler, a University transportation information and project facilitator, said the project's completion is waiting on the replacement of the building's concrete stairs, which do not fit the building's specifications.
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"The stairs came from an outside contractor, so there is no one to blame for that problem," she said. "Basically, it just comes down to a simple math error."
Basler said workers are also busy sandblasting the entire building to repaint it after several University officials complained that portions of the structure didn't match in color.
"There is some coloration that is uneven, and we had to address that to make the building as aesthetically pleasing as possible," she said.
Gerald Martin is footing the entire bill for the sandblasting to show the University the company is dedicated to providing a good finished product, said Bob Cardenas, Gerald Martin's project manager.
Cardenas said despite the trials and tribulations the project has encountered during its 16-month occupation of the University, he is confident the building is everything the UNM community expects.
"I feel that it is a good product," he said. "We regret all the inconveniences, but we wanted to take our time and do the job right."
Basler said the unsightly underground utility work for the building that has been going on near the south entrance of the SUB should also be finished in late February.
"We're making progress on that part of the project even though it might not seem like it," she said.
The University plans on erecting a colorful statue on the sight after the sidewalks are laid again sometime this spring, she said.
The structure's two amenities, an Internet cafÇ and a visitor welcome center, originally intended to be built by Gerald Martin, are now going to be taken on by a separate contractor after the building is finished.
The construction of those buildings is expected to begin this summer.
The $5.75 million project is being funded entirely by University revenue bonds that will be paid back through money generated by people parking in the structure.
The building is the first phase of a larger project that will lead to a new Architecture Department building that will arch over the bookstore parking lot.
However, none of that can happen until the parking structure is finished.
Don Knox, UNM's construction manager, said Gerald Martin's tardiness on the project has led the University to seek damages from the company.
Stipulations in the University's contract with Gerald Martin state UNM can impose any penalties it sees fit for construction projects gone over deadline.
Knox said that's what the University plans on doing.
"I would think we'd impose any liquidated damages to the project that we can," he said.
Knox said University officials understand the project met with its share of problems, but think the building should be complete by now.
"In spite of all the challenges, the structure should be done," he said.
