After nearly six months of construction, the elevator in Bibb Graves Hall is open for use.

The project started in June 2015, said Facilities Administration and Planning Project Manager Kevin Hudson. The elevator passed final state inspection Dec. 16, he said.

“Installing the elevator in Bibb Graves is part of the American Disabilities Act requirements (for the university),” he said. “It was a challenge getting an elevator in a building that was built in 1929.”

He said the chair lift would have satisfied the ADA requirements for Bibb Graves Hall, but it often stopped working and needed repairs.

“Actually, you can’t buy parts for that (chair lift) model anymore,” he said. “After the elevator is up and running, we’re pulling it out. Now, we have something reliable in the building.”

Hudson said after the board of trustees raised the project budget from $350,000 to $500,000, facilities was able to complete the elevator within that $500,000 budget.

“I think it’s great that they finally put an elevator in there,” said sophomore Bria Paschal. “I will definitely be using it and I know for a fact other students will, too.”