Construction of a new $17.8 million Educational Outreach building has been put on hold while the UW works to settle a contract disagreement with the project's builder.

The dispute centers on a significant delay in the completion of the new building.

In October 2006, the project's contractor, Ledcor Design Build of Washington, reported to the UW that the building was five months behind the originally targeted June 17, 2007, project completion date. Now, with construction at a standstill, there is no end date in sight.

"Construction was halted because of the design builders' multiple breaches of the design build contract, including, but not limited to, significant delay in completion of the project and construction work, which was not in compliance with the contract requirements," Richard Chapman, associate vice president for capital projects, stated in an e-mail.

"The University and the contractor are currently in discussions with each other in an attempt to settle our differences and find a way to resume the project in the near future," Chapman said.

The building was originally estimated to cost a little more than $17.2 million and is currently running about $600,000 over budget. Chapman said the increased cost is not posing a problem.

"Additional funds from both Educational Outreach and the University will provide for the increased costs," Chapman said.

Currently the Educational Outreach Program staff is spread out, occupying space in the Roosevelt Commons, as well as the King, Lewis and Parrington Halls.

The new building is located on the southeast corner of Campus Parkway and University Way, the same site that housed the old UW Visitors Information Center.

The new location will help bring the entire staff together in one building, as well as serve as the University's new Visitors Information Center.

With the project in limbo, the Educational Outreach Program is eager to get construction back on track. The department is excited about the benefits of having their offices in one location and the added convenience for students.

"We're waiting for the dispute to be settled," said Alison Koop, public relations manager for the Educational Outreach Program. "The building, as planned, will house all UW Educational Outreach's administrative offices under one roof on campus, simplifying logistics for staff and students."

"So we're hoping for construction to start up again soon," she said.

Reach reporter Shaun Moore at shaunmoore@thedaily.washington.edu.