Construction of Simpson Hall under way with removal of topsoil at site

Budget for building affected by recent hurricanes

Construction started on Simpson Hall last week on the north end of the Northwest College campus.
The construction crew is currently stripping the topsoil from the future hall’s location in preparation for foundation work. According to NWC Vice President of Administrative Affairs Kim Mills, this process has become easier. Originally the workers thought they needed to move an irrigation drain that was surveyed to be in the way. Fortunately the drain was 40 feet from its expected location and also six feet farther down in the ground. Mills said that not having to move the drain made the project cheaper.
This new information allows NWC to keep within the maximum cost projected for the building. During the NWC Board of Trustees meeting Monday, Oct. 10, Mills asked the Board to approve an adjusted maximum cost. In August officials estimated the maximum cost at less than $3.5 million. Now, due to two major hurricanes and the rise in energy costs, the maximum cost rose to more than $3.8 million.