The University of Connecticut will begin construction on the first of two new classroom buildings that are going to replace the aging Arjona and Monteith buildings this fall. "The plans will go out to bid this month, bids will be in by September, and [construction] will start in October," said James P. Bradley, associate vice president and executive director of architectural and engineering services at the University of Connecticut.

The new 69,735-square-foot building will be erected between the Student Union and the Center for Undergraduate Education. Until the two new building are completed, however, the university will have to make do with the aging Arjona and Monteith buildings, which are in desperate need of repairs. The buildings are two of the most heavily used classroom buildings on campus, and they will need a lot of costly repairs and upgrades in order to stay operational.

Arjona and Monteith were both built in 1959. Arjona is in worse shape, having faced a multitude of roofing problems. In addition, asbestos was recently discovered during an inspection. The material was present in the floor tiles, causing many of them to be replaced or covered. The material is dangerous, as asbestos exposure has been linked to mesothelioma and lung cancer.

According to Bradley, both the Arjona and Monteith buildings will stay open until both the new buildings have been completed. The second new building will measure 133,000 square feet. This building will be erected on the site of the old Co-op.

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