Construction near the Oread Inn has caused students some unanticipated problems, but road closures in the area are expected to end earlier than previously scheduled.

David Longhurst, one of the employees with the construction project responsible for hotel development and implementation, said that the project was making excellent progress and that he anticipated the roads would be open before December, which was the original projection.

But an early end to the project won’t immediately help the students who live in the neighborhood and say the construction has been disruptive.

Sierra Falter, Lincoln, Neb., senior, said she didn’t know about the construction before she signed the lease to her apartment on Indiana Street in front of the Oread Inn.

“They hadn’t destroyed it yet,” Falter said. “I was just more enthralled with the space.”

Falter said her main concern was not having enough room to park her car because of the trucks and equipment from the construction.

“I think the biggest part is getting up here,” Falter said. “They don’t give us enough space to get in or out, my car is, like, always hitting the curb.”

Falter said she decided to call the city to find out what was happening after the construction started.

“I did my own research,” Falter said. “I called the city when construction workers were parking in our parking lot.”

Falter said she thought the construction caused a problem for other students as well.

“I knew everyone was upset about it, but I didn’t think about how they were going to blow this whole thing up and start building,” Falter said. “It’s a pain in the ass for everyone. It’s not even me, all the students who walk to campus on this side. We have to walk in mud; we have to dodge huge equipment that’s scary.”

John Winer, Dallas sophomore, lives in a fraternity next to the construction site. Winer said he didn’t bother using his radio alarm clock anymore.

“You can hear construction noises from seven in the morning on,” Winer said.

Jordan Christian, Topeka senior, lives in Hawks Pointe III and said he had a hard time sleeping through the construction.

Christian said his only other concern was the difficulty of getting into the parking lot.

“The construction around here, getting into here, it’s been a muddy mess,” Christian said.

Adam Glass, Overland Park sophomore, also lives in the fraternity next to the construction site.

“At times they’ve had, like, water main breaks,” Glass said. “There’s stuff that will run down all over our yard.”

Falter said that despite the problems she had encountered, the construction workers were usually considerate.

Longhurst said the construction crew hadn’t had any unanticipated problems with people living in the area.

“The neighbors have been understanding and a pleasure to work with,” Longhurst said. “The University and the city have both been supportive and accommodating.”

Dave Corliss, city manager, said that he had heard complaints from residents but that he thought the Oread Inn would be worth the temporary trouble.

“The Oread is a wonderful addition to the community,” Corliss said. “Providing additional hotel and meeting room opportunities for visitors in a great setting near KU.”

Longhurst said the Oread Inn would be an asset to both the University of Kansas and the city of Lawrence. He said it would provide meeting spots, hotel rooms, a spa, a health club and food and bar services next to the University.

“It will provide hundreds of jobs, many for KU students, and millions of dollars in payroll when it opens,” Longhurst said.

— — Edited by Heather Melanson