BYU’s Construction Project Manager Joseph Beck Provides an Update on the New Arts Building Construction
Now in its second year of construction, BYU’s new Arts Building moves towards completion as the holiday season approaches. Well acquainted with the ins and outs of the project, Joseph Beck provided some recent updates.
As BYU’s construction project manager, Beck interfaces directly with the contractor and architect, as well as managing the budget and watching for quality control through regular inspections as construction on the building progresses.
“I’m BYU’s representative during this process until the building is complete and am involved with every facet of it until we turn the building over to the College — and even beyond that as we do final touches,” said Beck. “Construction is always a fun basket of tricks; every project throws curveballs at you and this one is no exception.”
Since August 2024, the construction team has been working on the dean’s suite area, framing in offices and conference rooms. They have also been building out the new art galleries, partitions and rooms to support the costume shop and video editing areas. Elevator installation has begun now that the parts have arrived and staircases and complete stair towers for the north and south central stairs have now been put into place.
“We have installed the big air handlers on the rooftop that move the air throughout the entire building and we have been putting in the roofing system assembly (a combination of roofing components that serve as insulation and covering), moving from west to east,” said Beck. “The west side of the building is now ‘dried in,’ meaning it is waterproof from rain and snow.” The west side of the new building will be protected from winter snow as construction continues into the holiday season.
Overhead mechanical work is underway in the new cinema theater where students will review and watch the films they make.
Beck said that the new proscenium theatre — the “Broadway style theatre” — has been particularly interesting to build and is the first that he’s had the opportunity to work on in his career.
Beck said that the framing around the walls and the back of the theatre has been put into place, as well as the roof structure. Tiers and stairs for the theatre seating are also in place. Additionally, the fly box structure, where scene changes will come on and off the stage, has been completed.
“It’s quite a massive space when you stand up high looking down onto what will be the stage, and I can envision the crowds coming and applauding a show,” said Beck. “I’ve attended many shows in the past and have always been impressed with BYU performers. I can envision great productions happening here and this theatre being well loved, well used and a gem of the College for years to come.”
“I’ve been a BYU employee for 12 years doing construction projects and I like thinking about how this will benefit the students when we’re all done,” said Beck. “As we get the building finished and turn it over to the college for use, it’s a thrill for me to envision the students coming in, getting settled and starting to use their new space.”