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Beam Signing Day Signifies Progress in Ferris State University Center for Athletics Performance Construction/Renovation Project

PhotoThe ceremonial signing of a girder took place Thursday, May 26 as the Center For Athletics Performance continues toward completion on the Big Rapids campus. (from left) Kristen Nyht, Senior Architect with The Collaborative, Ferris’ Facilities Management Project Manager Kara Pellerito, 2018 Ferris Construction Management alumna Taylor Goldthwait, a Project Manager with Granger Construction, Ferris President David Eisler and Granger Construction President and CEO Glenn Granger were among those participating in the event and site tour.

Ferris State University administrators joined with Athletics Department leaders on Thursday, May 26, to take up the ceremonial signing of a metal girder as work on the Center For Athletics Performance moves forward to another significant phase.

Granger Construction is leading the development of new facility space and renovation of existing elements of the Ewigleben Sports Complex, totaling 42,000 square feet in the CAP project. Brad Hesche is Granger’s Project Director and a 2003 graduate of Ferris’ Construction Management program, working on his sixth assignment on the Big Rapids campus.

“We made a lot of hay in the winter, both in terms of building construction and renovation,” Hesche said. “I feel like I am at home, working on CAP.”

PhotoFerris State University Athletics Director Steve Brockelbank adds his name as part of the the ceremonial signing of a metal girder as work on the Center For Athletics Performance on Thursday, May 26.

The Bulldog Arena, a multipurpose facility capable of hosting volleyball matches and basketball games, is undergoing preparation for its concrete floor as work on the relocation of an eight-inch water main wrapped up Tuesday, May 24.

Hesche, Granger President and CEO Glenn Granger and members of the architectural firm The Collaborative were among those signing a girder before its installation in the project. The name of Mark Eichenberg, Ferris’ director of Physical Plant Operations, was included. Eichenberg passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, May 22.

Ferris President David Eisler said he looks forward to the 2022-23 academic year when all phases of the CAP project move to completion.

“This is a very exciting project,” Eisler said. “With a new volleyball arena, expanded conditioning facilities and additional sports medicine rooms, many significant improvements are being made in this undertaking. It is a great opportunity to benefit and support Ferris’ athletic programs.”

The site tour following the girder signing included viewing the former volleyball arena, which will serve as the strength and conditioning facility. The renovated area includes an elevator, which, when installed, will provide access to locker rooms and team meeting spaces. That is part of the first project completion phase, becoming available to the Athletics Department on Thursday, Aug. 4.

Completion of the CAP project is expected in late 2022.