Renovations to Denny Building to begin academic complex overhaul

As part of the University’s strategic Five-year Capital Construction Plan, work to transform the Academic Complex in the historic core of campus will begin in January.

“The goal of the Academic Complex Renovation (ACR) project is to modernize the Denny, Macy, Barnard, Garinger and Winningham buildings. Work to overhaul the complex will occur in three phases, with 2019 as the target for completion,” said Phil Jones, associate vice chancellor for Facilities Management. 

Before construction commences, Denny Building employees are being relocated to swing space, beginning Monday, Dec. 19. They will take up temporary occupancy in Cedar Building, a former residence hall that underwent renovation to accommodate their needs. Facilities Management (FM) worked in collaboration with Academic Affairs personnel to establish the ACR project’s multiphase approach and the temporary relocation of personnel.

“We understand that moving occupants into swing space interrupts their normal work routines. Therefore, the team has worked hard to ensure transitions are executed as smoothly as possible,” Jones stated.

Phase two, which will include Macy and Barnard buildings, is projected to begin late summer to early fall of 2017.  Phase three, scheduled for 2018, will include the Garinger and Winningham buildings. When the remaining two phases begin, building occupants will move into temporary swing space in Hickory and Cedar. 

Work that will be completed as part of Denny Building renovations include heating and air conditioning (HVAC) upgrades, sprinkler and fire alarm improvements; new windows and upgrades to the facility’s interior, such as new paint, carpeting and ceilings. Auditoriums will get new fixed seating, lighting, drywall and acoustical treatments.  Brick will replace the existing exterior skin to bring the building in line with the exterior of the rest of the complex.

UNC Charlotte’s Five-year Construction Plan currently consists of more than 40 capital projects, with costs that total approximately $450 million. These projects include new construction, renovations and roadway and utility improvements.

The goal of the plan is to position UNC Charlotte for the next 25 years, as campus leaders anticipate continued enrollment growth. These investments in building and infrastructure improvements will better serve students, faculty and staff and will support scholarship and research efforts across the institution.