Taking a new angle
Julka Hall brings green building, modern styling to Cleveland State’s downtown campus

By Lou Kren

Been down to Cleveland State lately? If not, prepare to be shocked. Yes, there are cranes and scaffolding and contractor trailers everywhere, arising from the 10-plus new-construction and renovation projects now underway. But look at what’s done and what’s coming. The transformation of CSU from a commuter campus to a more residential collegiate environment continues with the opening of Julka Hall, housing the College of Education and Human Services and the School of Nursing.

Located on Euclid Avenue between Fenn Tower and Mather Mansion, Julka Hall opened this past April after a construction period that began with site and steel work in July 2008. At a construction cost of $26.5 million, the completed three-story, 100,412-square-foot hall boasts green technology – the College of Education and Human Services is pursuing LEED Silver certification for the building – and incorporates the latest designs for learning environments while bringing a modern, vibrant look to Euclid Avenue.

The building name reflects the support of Anand Julka, president and founder of Smart Solutions, Inc., who gifted $6 million to CSU to fund scholarships for local students pursuing degrees in teaching, nursing, engineering and computer science. Julka earned a master’s degree in Industrial Engineering from CSU’s Fenn College of Engineering in 1974. His was the largest single scholarship gift in CSU history.

Heery International Inc., of Cleveland, served as construction manager with NBBJ, of Columbus, and Van Auken Akins LLC, of Cleveland, as design architects. Van Auken Akins, as NBBJ’s partner, provided local onsite construction administration support and also designed renovation portions of the project in CSU’s Chester and Physical Education buildings. Platform Cement, Inc., of Mentor, completed the first bid package as prime contractor responsible for site, foundations and steel – structural and decking. Panzica Construction Co., of Mayfield Village, served as the general trades contractor for the second package, covering shell, build-out and finish construction. Bay Mechanical & Electrical Corp., of Lorain, served as the mechanical and electrical contractor, and Doan Pyramid LLC (now Zenith Systems), of Bedford Heights, served as the technology contractor. Karpinski Engineering, of Cleveland, provided mechanical, electrical, plumbing and technology engineering.

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