By Tucker Reilly, News Assignment Editor
Construction has begun on the new structure formerly known as the Clubhouse Restaurant on the St. Bonaventure Golf Course. The former restaurant was demolished during the fall semester after a number of health and technical problems, including heating, plumbing and asbestos, had rendered the building unusable for over a year. Food service company Aramark had agreed to pay for the construction fees, with construction company Duggan & Duggan General Contractor taking charge of the building effort. At the time of demolition, it was estimated the job would be complete around June 2020.
Now, the stone has begun to roll. Although no work has been done this week as of Wednesday, the construction site is fully set up: supplies and equipment are clearly visible, and large chunks of concrete cover the surrounding area, left over from the initial destruction. The foundation is set: a bordering trench, about 3 feet deep, has been dug out, with a plywood frame supported by a concrete footing and rebar surrounding it. The footing, about six inches wider on either side of the frame, is a telltale sign of the start of a t-shaped foundation; a standard design in which said footing is placed under the frost line. Walls are then placed on top, with the system in place to prevent damage when the ground freezes. In the middle, the snow-covered ground will soon be disturbed once the foundation is complete.
With the Clubhouse now under construction, it becomes the final piece of a three-sided renovation effort by St. Bonaventure, with changes already underway in Francis Hall and Doyle Hall. Each day from here on represents a step towards the actualization of the new Clubhouse restaurant.
reillyt19@bonaventure.edu
