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Work beginning on new buildings and upgrades EDITOR'S NOTE: This is the second of two parts on upcoming construction and renovation projects at the University. Work is continuing apace around campus and at BGSU Firelands.
Renovations have begun and new projects are in the works. The Cedar Point Center at BGSU Firelands is in the planning
stage. Bob Waddle, director of capital planning, and Jim
McArthur, interim director, University architect for
design and construction, are reviewing information packets
from a number of interested consultants. The goal is for the
new building to be occupied by fall 2002. The center will house all of Firelands' administrative offices
as well as classrooms, meeting and seminar rooms, with a focus
on distance learning and new technologies, according to McArthur.
"We want to study the faculty's needs so we can accommodate
new teaching methodologies," he said. The spaces will also
need to be flexible enough to handle larger conferences as well
as smaller gatherings. McArthur is in charge of the $5.2 million project. On the main campus, several residence halls are scheduled
for renovation this summer. Most notable is Conklin Hall, which
will receive more than $5 million in improvements. The work,
including asbestos abatement, began in early January and is scheduled
to be completed by July 21, in time for students to move in for
fall semester. "This is a critical project for us now because
of the tight time schedule," Waddle said. McDonald Hall East and North will receive new carpet and paint
and masonry repair along with improved lighting, McArthur said.
And Offenhauer will see the start of a $2 million renovation.
The ground-floor lobby will be upgraded and the information desk
centralized. A main entrance in the back will be added, with
the other doors used only as exits. The East tower will be repainted
and recarpeted and the plumbing upgraded. Phase II of the campus exterior lighting project is under
way. The areas slated for improvement are Moore Musical Arts
Center, Jerome Library, the Commons and the Student Recreation
Center. According to McArthur, the placement, size, brightness
and type of lighting have been studied and improvements are being
made where appropriate. Beginning this summer and continuing into the school year,
modifications will be made around campus to better accommodate
individuals with disabilities. Approximately $200,000 will be
spent to install more power doors, make restrooms more accessible,
make elevator adjustments, add ramps (including at Jerome Library
and Moore Musical arts Center) and improve signage in parking
lots. In addition, some special seating will be added to Prout
Chapel, Memorial Hall and the Ice Arena. Jerome Library will also be getting some much-needed repairs
to its exterior, Waddle said. "We need to seal the envelope
of the building," he said, to prevent water leakage and
moisture damage. The work is estimated to cost $380,000. The occupants of the Popular Culture House will be temporarily
housed in South Hall starting in late summer, Waddle said, so
that central air conditioning and heating may be installed in
the building, a former residence. Some reconfiguration of office
space will also be done, along with measures to make the space
more accessible. Consultants are being sought to conduct a thorough assessment
of residence hall fire-safety improvements. The assessment will
lead to a continuation of construction projects to increase the
safety of residence hall occupants and reduce the risk of fire,
McArthur said. And finally, sports fans will be happy to learn that the baseball stands will be replaced this summer. Waddle said new bids on the job are being sought, however, as the original proposals were higher than anticipated.
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