Ward Corridor Closes For Renovations

The Ward Corridor, parts of which date back to the original 1925 construction of the Ward Building, is about to get a fresh coat of paint … and new flooring, lighting, and ceiling, too.

The current 120 foot walkway, which connects Ward with the Morton, Searle, and Tarry buildings, will be losing its industrial feel in the days ahead.

Beginning this week, the corridor will be closed for a complete overhaul, including terrazzo flooring, stone wainscoting, and decorative lighting fixtures. The project, scheduled for completion in mid-April, will also include renovated bathrooms.

During construction, the following changes will affect building users:

• The Office of Diversity will temporarily relocate to room 12-703 of the Tarry Building.
• The Recovery Room Café will be located in the Method Atrium.
• The Ward Corridor will be completely closed to all foot traffic. 

The closure of one of the medical school’s main thoroughfares means a few detours have been put in place. Facilities Management suggests the following for those traveling between the Ward Building and the Method Atrium:

• When entering the Ward Building, take the lobby stairs or elevators down to the basement level and walk to the desired set of elevators.
• When using the Method Atrium entrance, take the Tarry or Searle elevators down to the basement and cross over to the Ward elevators.
• From either entrance, take the elevators up to the fifth floor and cross over to the desired elevator bank.
• Use the courtyard to the east or North Fairbanks Court to the west to access the desired entrance on Chicago Avenue or Superior Street.

The Office of Admissions and the Graduate Programs Office will not be affected by the move and security protocol mandating a WildCARD for entrance will not change during the construction period. The impact from on-site construction materials will be minimal due to the usage of freight corridors.

Any questions regarding the construction can be directed toward Facilities Management.