Pacer Commons fourth floor reconstruction set to begin February

Starting in February, construction will begin to replace the Pacer Commons roof.

According to Senior University Facilities Executive, Brian Enter, “We plan to start the roof repairs in February. We hope to start floor replacement this summer.”

During the repair process, all the shingles will be removed as well as the plywood deck and some roof trusses will be fortified. New roof decking will be installed and additional material will be added to seal the building. New gutters will be added as well.

“After the roof is sealed, we will make repairs to (the) damaged ceiling in the sections of the fourth floor suites,” said Enter, “We will remove all damaged ceiling and replace with new.”

“Later this summer we plan to replace the flooring,” he said. “The existing floor will be removed to the subfloor and new material will be installed. I plan to have all the floors renovated with new flooring.”

Funding has been spent on design fees for the roof, which has received multiple repairs for roof leaks since 2016.

“Our plan is to have students move in the 4th floor during the Fall semester,” he said. “Of course, this is all dependent on our current supply chain. So, these completion dates are subject to change.”

Enter believes the finalization of this project will satisfy the student body.

“So far, we are making good progress. As you may know, working through our state system is not fast because we need to make sure we are receiving good design and construction and funding is spent appropriately,” he said. “I have high confidence that the students will be happy once this work is complete.”

In 2016, USCA filed a lawsuit regarding the alleged construction defects and negligent design and construction of the Pacer Commons building.

The lawsuit was recently ended with a settlement of $4.5 million, of which former USCA Chancellor Dr. Sandra Jordan signed for on June 28, 2021.

Cam Reagin, the vice chancellor for finance and administration, said that the Pacer Commons fourth floor was never unsafe for students.

“While there has been significant water intrusion in Pacer Commons, the actual damage is cosmetic,” he said. “At no time was the building structurally unsound in a way that put residents at risk. While the university is relieved to have the litigation behind us, we regret that the situation required our having to seek legal relief.”

According to Reagin, the facilities department has taken measures to remove moisture and prevent mold growth as well as limit further damage to the roof and ceilings.

“We have been addressing leaks using university funds budgeted for renovation to patch as best as we can, using certified roofing contractors to perform the work,” he said. “We have deployed humidifiers and other moisture removal methods in efforts to prevent mold growth.”

Reagin said that all restoration work is hoped to be completed by August 1, 2021.