At their recently completed meetings in mid-May, the Carleton College Board of Trustees gave its approval to begin the Arts Union project construction phase.

Since that time, many of our neighbors and Northfield community members have noticed a flurry of activity at the site of the former Northfield middle school. While some of the activity surrounding the area is related to the City of Northfield’s 4th Street East improvements project (including the dirt piles), there is fencing installed around the construction perimeter and asbestos abatement taking place.

The construction schedule calls for work to start on the 1950s wing the first week in June, ending by July 8. The project’s first phase will close out with footings and foundations being poured at the gallery and entrance during most of August.

During June and July, abatement in the area of the building to be renovated will continue. The 1910 building renovation will include some interior work, and this will occur from mid July through early August, according to the schedule. The cinema, dance, theater and link interior construction will close out the phase two schedule for this summer from August 4-September 8.

"We're excited to see construction begin, putting our plans for the Arts Union into action," Carleton director of the arts Steve Richardson '86 said. "As we come to the end of the construction planning process, we're all looking forward to the next phase, the actual programming of the building. The opportunity to make the Arts Union a true showcase of the College's arts programs is clear, and we're also eager to build on our ongoing conversations with community partners to truly make this an exciting place for Carleton and its neighbors to come together."

The College anticipates completing this project and occupying the building for the start of the 2011-12 academic year. College officials will continue to offer updates on the project as it moves through the project.

For more information, please visit the Arts Union website.