In an effort to make all buildings on campus accessible to people with disabilities, contractors have begun installing an elevator in Sparks Building.

Sparks Building is one of the few buildings on campus not equipped with an elevator, which makes it a prime place to begin construction, said Stephanie Schmidt, project manager in charge of the renovation.

The University must make all buildings on campus comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act, which states, among other things, that all public entities must be easily accessible to disabled people.

Mary Franks, ADA self-study coordinator at the Affirmative Action Office, said the University is still working on ensuring that all campus buildings meet ADA requirements.

Many students and faculty members have noticed the large enclosed construction site at the center of Sparks' lobby as they walk around it each day.

And although the construction is being done for beneficial purposes, many still find the construction bothersome. Some students who attend classes in rooms such as 10 Sparks find the noise annoying and the area a hassle to get around.

"It's a hassle because they closed one of the stairwells and some people have to go completely out of their way to get to their classroom," said Adrienne Frederick (senior-communication psychology).

Despite some students' annoyance, other students have not been bothered by the ongoing renovation.

"I have a class in Sparks three days a week and I have never seen anyone working or heard any noise coming from the construction area," said Marjorie Cote (freshman-division of undergraduate studies).

Jeff Mallory, senior manager construction administration at the Office of Physical Plant, said the work is scheduled to be done during hours that will not inconvenience faculty or students.

Whether or not the construction bothers faculty and students, renovations will continue until the elevator shaft is completed. The project is expected to be finished in late spring or early summer of this year.