Taking Shape
Students, faculty and staff eagerly await completion of Lindquist Hall
Driving along Harrison Boulevard, it’s hard to miss the blue construction tarps adorning the old Social Science building. These tarps are one of many signs of progress as Lindquist Hall continues to take shape.
With construction well underway, students, faculty and staff alike have been eagerly following the renovations. Two live-streaming cameras have been set up at the construction site — one on the east side and one on the west — to help the campus community stay updated.
According to Jenny Eckenbrecht, administrative specialist to the dean of the College of Social & Behavioral Sciences, there’s a definite sense of excitement and anticipation throughout the college.
“We’re excited because it’s going to be a better place for faculty, staff and students and the community to come together,” Eckenbrecht said. “The space is going to be brighter, friendlier and more welcoming.”
Carla Trentelman, associate sociology professor, echoed a similar sentiment.
“[The Social Science building] is where I got my undergraduate degree, and it’s where I’ve been since I started my career at Weber,” she said. “That building is home, so we’re all very excited to be able to return to the new and improved version. It will also be nice to be back in the heart of campus, and I think students will have an easier time navigating the new building.”
Ezekiel Lee, WSU student and program assistant for the Olene S. Walker Institute of Politics & Public Service, is most excited about the collaboration opportunities the new space will provide.
“The Walker Institute is very excited to move into our new offices,” Lee said. “We’ll be closer to other offices, like the dean’s office, which will help us as we work to expand our program.”
Chad Downs, senior project manager for the renovation, is pleased with the progress of the building so far and says the project is on a good trajectory.
“We are on track to complete the building before the end of this year so that we can move everyone and everything back in by the end of the December holiday period,” Downs said. “That way, spring classes can resume in the building for January 2019.”
The building is named in honor of the Lindquist family. John E. Lindquist, president of Lindquist Mortuaries and Cemeteries, gifted $5 million to help the dream become reality. In addition, the Utah Legislature allocated $14 million for construction in 2017 and almost $16 million in 2018 to complete the project.
During the renovation of Lindquist Hall, the College of Social & Behavioral Sciences is temporarily housed in the Science Lab Building. For a directory of current faculty, department and program offices, visit https://weber.edu/ssrenovation.