After construction delays and complications, many students taking art classes at the former Booth West building will dive into their first full week of learning this week, four weeks after school began.

“The fourth week is looking good; it’s looking very good,” said David Griffin, an art professor.

When students and faculty left the building last week, there was running water and electricity in a few rooms.

The ventilation system also was in the beginning stages of installation, but not functioning.

When students and faculty returned Monday, they found running water, electricity and a working ventilation system throughout the building. Workers also moved in and positioned sculpture studio equipment over the weekend.

Rex Hilligoss, architect for faculties planning and management, said he hoped the vents would be installed a few weeks ago. However, material problems and scheduling conflicts delayed installation.

To speed construction along and get classes underway, the university asked the landlord of the former Booth West to hire outside contractors to help install the ventilation and electricity system by this week.

Through an agreement with the university and the landlords, all contractors for former Booth West renovations have been hired through the building’s owner.

The ventilation system was key for most art classes because many projects involve chemicals or materials that give off fumes. Its completion marks the start of true learning for many art teachers.

“Out of all of this (the completion of the vent system) has been the most pleasant surprise,” Griffin said.

He said with vents running and the second sink in his room working, he can begin teaching his advanced and beginner metalsmithing and jewelry students to the fullest extent. Last week, he taught beginning students about the tools and equipment they would be using, and this week the same students will be getting hands-on experience.

Denise Rehm-Mott, a print shop teacher, said with proper ventilation her class can finally use acid, paint thinner and other chemicals needed to conduct a productive printing class.

“I am ecstatic,” Rehm-Mott said. “Now I can start teaching to the fullest extent.”

The building still needs finishing touches that may take a few more weeks. Light fixtures and emergency lighting need to be installed. However, Hilligoss said the rest of the construction will not disturb or prohibit class.

The last major project remaining is the completion of the bathrooms. Though they are functional right now, there are not partitions, and Hilligoss could not say when the partitions would be put on.

“I’m pleased with the progress and I think we are about done,” he said.

Art classes have been relocated to the former Booth West until 2005 during the renovation of the Doudna Fine Arts Center. Construction on former Booth West started after the Eastern’s Board of Trustees voted at its July 3 meeting to lease the building.

Many students have been expressing concern over the last few weeks about the quality of education students were receiving in classrooms that were not finished.

“I have never not been happy. I think the contractors have done an amazing job considering the time period (they had to work in),” Hilligoss said.