Parking lot opening delayed

In keeping with the tradition of most University capital projects, construction on the parking garage at 38th and Walnut streets is taking longer than originally projected. The garage was slated to open yesterday, but officials said it will not open until next month. Business Services Vice President Steve Murray said the original date was postponed in order to take care of last minute details. "There are still some construction details that have to be finalized, so it was delayed for a month," he said. Murray added that there are some mechanical problems that need to be addressed before the garage can be opened. Transportation and Mail Services Director Bob Furniss said the garage opening was delayed because the fire alarm system did not pass the proper tests. He added that the garage will feature six tiers of parking, which will hold approximately 650 spaces. There will be an annual permit fee of $990 for faculty, staff and commuters, and hourly and daily rates for visitors, Furniss said. The garage was originally designated as a transient facility to fulfill the need for visitor parking once construction begins on the surface lot at 36th Street. This area was originally set aside for the construction of the Revlon Center, he added. "There needs to be core parking for that area," Furniss said. "And this garage was designed to fit this need." But until that time it will serve a double purpose, he added. "It will remain with faculty and staff permits for this facility temporarily, with the understanding that we will have to move some of them out when we lose the other lot," Furniss said. The garage will also house several stores, including Campus Copy Center, an expansion of Joseph Anthony Hairstyling, Thrift Drug and Mail Boxes Etc. According to University Treasurer Chris Mason, these stores should open in the spring. Furniss said he is looking forward to the opening of the garage. "We are excited about having it open," he said. "It is just a matter of getting everything taken care of before we can open."