Monday, July 27, 1998
Courtside's roof leakage prompts temporary repairs
REPAIRS: Residential structure faces future closure to rectify water intrusion permanently
By Lawrence Ferchaw
Daily Bruin Staff
Less than six years after completion, one of UCLA's residence halls underwent repairs recently to stop an intruder.
The perpetrator was water, something that fell from the sky in abundance this past winter. The victim was Courtside, one of the three buildings that make up the Sunset Village residential complex.
The building experienced varying degrees of "water intrusion" when it rained. The problem was temporarily fixed, but permanent repairs are still in the planning stages.
Plans may include closing Courtside once DeNeve Plaza opens so permanent repairs can be completed. Housing officials have not yet determined if they will use this strategy.
One student, who experienced the leakage, said that the water problems were not severe.
"It wasn't a big leak or anything," said Angela Chen, a second-year economics student. Water entered her room through the windows and ruined some papers that were nearby, she said.
However, the extent of the leaks differed from unit to unit and from room to room, according to Michael Foraker, director of housing administration.
"It varied from no impact to varying impacts. The water intrusion was not consistent," Foraker said.
Christopher Lee, a second-year biology student, did not experience any water intrusion, but he saw repairs.
"I didn't hear any complaints," Lee said.
During the temporary repairs, some residents were forced to move to the UCLA Guest House for a short time.
Along with the repairs comes legal action involving housing and construction companies to resolve the situation.
"We're working in good faith with several principles," Foraker said.
Foraker and other administrators declined to talk in detail about the matter, citing the pending litigation.
A side effect of the leaks, which students experienced, was the odor left behind.
"It smelled like mildew a lot, especially when we turned on the air conditioning," said Rachel Chang, a fourth-year communication studies student. Chang lived in one of the units not directly affected by the intruding water.
Courtside and the rest of Sunset Village were completed in 1992. The price tag for the seven structures that make up the village was over $87 million.
BAHMAN FARAHDEL/Daily Bruin
Courtside dormitory in Sunset Village is undergoing repairs to fix a leaky roof.