By Shirley Wilson
UHCLIDIAN STAFF

The construction of entry signs to UH-Clear Lake encounters delays because of problems with the concrete pillars and the general contractor not paying for supplies and services.

G & Z Contracting, Inc., is the general contractor on the project. The university informed G & Z Contracting that the concrete pillars prevent the mounting of the stone facade. During construction to modify the concrete pillars, suppliers and subcontractors notified the university that G & Z Contracting was behind in paying for services.

"We received notification by mail that a number of G & Z subcontractors and suppliers had intended to leave the job or had outstanding bills," said Dan Wilson, UH-Clear Lake director of planning, interior design and construction. ģIt is university policy when we get these notices not to pay the general contractor until these issues are settled."

Wilson asked G & Z Contracting for proof of payment to these parties. G & Z Contracting has yet to comply with the request.

"We are working with a general contractor that is dealing with subcontractors, but the general contractor did the concrete work," Wilson said. Jean Vaky, superintendent at G & Z Contracting declined comment on the issue.

Business development and the wooded area surrounding the campus obscure the university entrances. The new entry signs serve a functional purpose as university markers.

Wilson designed the new entry signs for the campus entrances one, two and three. He is also managing the project. The art deco monolith design was one of multiple designs Wilson created for the project.

"The idea for distinctive entrances to the university has been planned for over three years," Wilson said.

Entrance two at Bay Area Boulevard and University Drive features two entrance signs, one on each side of University Drive. The signs tower 18 feet with a shorter wing protruding from each side symbolizing movement into the campus. Entrances one and three feature a sign located on Bay Area Boulevard and Middlebrook Drive, respectively.

Black granite will cover the facade of the entry signs. Blue glass bricks will fill the interior of the granite monolith complimenting the logo. Brushed chrome lettering and the university logo signifying the campus will be prominently displayed. Lighting and landscaping will highlight the entrances.

"Light will shoot out from the structures from the inside, and lights will be spotted on the UH-Clear Lake name and logo," Wilson said.

The estimated cost of the entry signs is approximately $450,000. In comparison, the cost of the entrance at UH-Central was in the millions. Project funding for the entrance signs comes from Higher Education Assistance Funds.

"Higher Education Assistance Funds are allocated by the state to be used for capital expenditures and projects," Budget Director Jean Carr said. "The project is not currently in an over budget status. However, should that occur, a source of funds would be identified based on the need, scope and timing of the project."

"I think we can still stay within budget," Wilson noted. "I have already paid for the stone and the block materials."

The project was originally scheduled for completion in August. Until the pillars are brought into compliance with the stone construction, the completion date is unavailable. The university is currently seeking legal advice from the University of Houston System. Wilson expressed disappointment at the project's delay.

"I drive to work every day and pass the entrances. It is not pleasant," Wilson said.

Wilson expects little disruption to traffic flow due to construction on the entry signs. However, plans to widen Graduate Drive to add a right-turn lane may affect traffic flow over the holidays.

"If the stone contractors can work with the existing pillars, then all that remains is to put on the caps that were sawed off," Wilson said. "That would cause a momentary disruption of traffic perhaps, but not like what I might anticipate when Graduate Drive is widened."

Top of Page | Front Page