March saw more dust, wet paint and scaffolding at the Tivoli as the building's 14-month revitalization project continues.

The project is a large undertaking for AHEC both in scope and in the challenge of keeping the building open during construction with as little impact on Tivoli activities as possible.

"This is one of the largest construction projects ever done by Phipps Construction without closing the building," said Cindy DeLarber, marketing manager for AHEC Student Auxiliary Services.

The strategy for trying to minimize disruptions is "phasing" of the construction. Project facilitators know, on a day-by-day and week-by-week basis, which parts of the building are being worked on and when, so that they can manage the impact on Tivoli tenants, services and activities.

The goal is to do the very noisy and disruptive work, such as drilling and turning off the water, at night. Unfortunately it is nearly impossible for the work to go unnoticed.

"Our office has been a wreck," said Juanita Seevers, coordinator of the Metro Tutoring Center. Part of the center has been draped off for ductwork, and Seevers says the dust and lack of space has impacted the office.

Seevers also says that the tenant relations coordinator was a helpful contact. "They're doing the best they can. I just hope it gets wrapped up soon."

DeLarber acknowledged that it's hot, dusty and noisy. "But it won't last long," she said, while adding that the work schedule is constantly being tweaked based on feedback from Tivoli tenants and students.