Posted 2:30 p.m. Thursday, June 28, 2012
Construction crews are replacing a retaining wall and bridge at the entrance of Whitney Center. The 14-foot-tall and 160-foot-long retaining wall made of limestone was part of the original building, constructed in the mid 1960s. The wall was bowing and soil was spilling from joints between the stones, says Matt Lewis, executive director of facilities, planning and management.
The wall retains earth and supports the bridge leading to Whitney’s entrance, which was also in need of extensive repair and is being replaced, says Lewis. The repairs will allow UW-L to adjust the grade of the sidewalks to the upper and lower levels of the building, so their slopes and distances are compliant with the Americans With Disabilities Act. The repairs should be completed in time for the start of the school year. Restoration of the grounds and enhanced landscaping will likely continue into fall semester.