CUPPA offices relocate due to building damage

CUPPA Hall sustained damage after work for the Byrne Interchange project. Photo: S.K. Vemmer

Most units of the College of Urban Planning and Public Affairs moved last week to temporary offices in the Student Residence Hall on the west side of campus.

The Survey Research Lab moved to the Student Services Building Monday. The Urban Data Visualization Lab moved into the adjoining Art & Exhibition Hall, and the Institute for Research on Race and Public Policy moved to 1253 S. Halsted St. on the South Campus.

Beginning today, the Semester Express Shuttle bus will be routed to provide service to and from CUPPA Hall.

The moves became necessary when the southeast corner of CUPPA Hall, 412 S. Peoria St., sustained damage after work by contractors on the Jane Byrne Interchange redesign project. The contractors have shored up the building.

No classes were relocated, since CUPPA classrooms are held in the adjoining Art and Exhibition Hall. A CUPPA student services center and faculty/student meeting spaces were set up in the building. A small computer lab is in the works, while a classroom equipped with computers has been converted to a computer lab when classes are not in session.

College officials expect to move back to CUPPA Hall this summer after a complete building analysis and repairs. They credit Jody Plahm, administrator of the Urban Transportation Center, with coordinating the multifaceted move.