Poultry Science Building - Auburn University, Thanks for the Memories

It started out as a simple project. . . but ended up being so much more.

I wandered to the construction site and took digital photos of the progress of the new building of the Poultry Science Department at Auburn University.

In the beginning, it was images of tearing down the old and clearing the site. It was machines and equipment moving about, materials being delivered, site preparation and then construction.

As the work progressed, I got friendly waves, from those using his/her talents to construct this new building, as I took the photos. The corner of Lem Morrison Drive and P.O Davis street took on a whole new character. No longer was it bricks and mortar, miles of wiring and cables, and other construction materials scattered about, but it represented a collaborative effort of many people. These workers remain unknown to those that now enjoy the premises. It was the time and efforts of many different individuals that produced this building now known as the Poultry Science Building (PSB) at Auburn University. These men and women added a personality to this project that I will never forget.

Many memorable events happened over the 44 months of this project. One was on August 20, 2002. I was invited to go to the top floor for a view. The four concrete floors had all been poured but no stairs were installed. The only way to get to that floor was on a single rung ladder through an opening that was later to be for air ducts. I was led up the ladder by the site foreman. The ladder shook the whole time as I nervously moved my feet from rung to rung. I had never gone to this height on a ladder before, much less move from one floor of a building to another floor. But I wanted to enjoy the view and get the photos from that top floor much more than letting my nervousness keep me from getting up there. I ignored the wobbling of the ladder, made it up, and enjoyed the incredible view.

At another time, in 2003, I was wandering about the construction site and taking all sorts of pictures. I came upon two workers and began a casual conversation. Without any hesitation, one asked: "You want to write your initials in this wet concrete, don't you?" The man must have been telephathic. I enthusiastically picked up a nearby writing instrument and scratched "PSMK 2003" in the wet concrete. Have you found it yet on the premises?

I never knew the number of people and events involved in getting the building built until the Dedication Ceremony on September 2, 2005. Through the tireless efforts of so many individuals, I now work in an Auburn University campus building that I am happy to drive to every morning. Starting my day by walking up the curving staircase is pure delight. I remember when the framework for it was installed. The time, effort and creative maneuvering it took to have the staircase available to anyone wanting to walk up the majestic curve can only be appreciated by those of us who were in the building the day it was put in place.

What many people do not know is that the building that was torn down to make room for this new building . . . I used to work in. I was asked to vacate my desk to make way for "some new construction". Ironically, my new desk is about in the same location, only two floors up. Quite literally I have "moved up in the world." I emotionally watched the old building disappear, and joyfully watched a new one take its place.

Many thanks to Dr. Don Conner, Poultry Science Department Head , for giving me the opportunity and creative freedom to work on this project.

Many thanks to all the men and women who had a part in making the dreams and visions of a new building for the Poultry Science Department become a reality.