Construction begins on McConnell Tower

Harry · April 16, 2012

Construction has begun to repair and update the Hurley Administration Building’s McConnell Tower.

The $121,000 construction project will weatherproof the tower and install a safety line and safety railing on the roof hatch, UNT spokesman Buddy Price said. The safety railing on the roof hatch is required by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

Construction is expected to take 45 days, but recent weather conditions could extend construction time.

Photo by Jordan Foster / Intern - The Hurley Administration Building’s McConnell Tower, seen Monday, is being weatherproofed and given a safety railing on the roof hatch – a $121,000 project. “It’s a pretty standard maintenance project,” UNT spokesman Buddy Price said.

“It’s a pretty standard maintenance project,” Price said. “It’s maintenance that has to be done every so often. They will be recaulking where needed, replacing anything that needs replacing and power washing the stone.”

The tower is being weatherproofed to avoid costs in the future. As time passes, water can have extensive damage to buildings. Leaks are discovered when damage has already occurred, and by that point the cost to repair the leaks increases.

“The university always has had a maintenance program for its buildings,” Price said. “This type of work is often referred to as preventative maintenance and ensures that as buildings age they continue to function properly. The most effective, cost-efficient way to prevent [leaks] is to regularly perform this type of maintenance.”

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