Spring Break
University senate discusses BSC funding
Stephen Bell
Issue date: 11/3/09 Section: Front Page
University senate met Monday afternoon to re-visit the construction of a Bicentennial Student Center (BSC), where University Architect Bob Keller revealed plans and costs for the project have changed dramatically.
Keller walked through changes made to plans for a BSC and unveiled a new budget plan approximately $42.7 million cheaper than its predecessor.
Although initial estimates in April 2008 called for an $89.6 million student center, Keller said the first architect's plans totaled $120.4 million. That figure is now being reduced to $77.7 million.
"This was too large of a number," Keller said. "We decided to re-visit the idea and planned in June to build a new structure, much smaller than previously designed."
The new structure, prospectively located between Gaskill, Culler and Rowan halls, would not require the demolition of any existing buildings, as was originally planned according to Keller. The BSC structure will instead renovate Gaskill, Culler and Rowan halls and include them within the BSC structure.
"An exact design has yet to be decided upon," Keller said. "But, students will still be able to recognize pre-existing buildings."
While designs are in the works for a new student center, the finances are not in place for construction to begin, according to David Creamer, vice president of finance and business services.
"The timeline is a lot more complex than the previous timeline," Creamer said. "For the project to stay on schedule, there would need to be an investment by this coming spring."
Student centers inherently cost more to operate than other buildings, Creamer said, adding that approximately $15 million must be pledged for any construction to begin on the BSC.
Miami has raised $2 million for the BSC so far, but Creamer explained the operation is still awaiting a major gift.
Creamer stressed plans would not proceed until fiscal requirements are met.
"There is no intent to move further into the design stage until there is enough evidence for support, and there is a funding source approved by the board for the project to move ahead," Creamer said.
Keller walked through changes made to plans for a BSC and unveiled a new budget plan approximately $42.7 million cheaper than its predecessor.
Although initial estimates in April 2008 called for an $89.6 million student center, Keller said the first architect's plans totaled $120.4 million. That figure is now being reduced to $77.7 million.
"This was too large of a number," Keller said. "We decided to re-visit the idea and planned in June to build a new structure, much smaller than previously designed."
The new structure, prospectively located between Gaskill, Culler and Rowan halls, would not require the demolition of any existing buildings, as was originally planned according to Keller. The BSC structure will instead renovate Gaskill, Culler and Rowan halls and include them within the BSC structure.
"An exact design has yet to be decided upon," Keller said. "But, students will still be able to recognize pre-existing buildings."
While designs are in the works for a new student center, the finances are not in place for construction to begin, according to David Creamer, vice president of finance and business services.
"The timeline is a lot more complex than the previous timeline," Creamer said. "For the project to stay on schedule, there would need to be an investment by this coming spring."
Student centers inherently cost more to operate than other buildings, Creamer said, adding that approximately $15 million must be pledged for any construction to begin on the BSC.
Miami has raised $2 million for the BSC so far, but Creamer explained the operation is still awaiting a major gift.
Creamer stressed plans would not proceed until fiscal requirements are met.
"There is no intent to move further into the design stage until there is enough evidence for support, and there is a funding source approved by the board for the project to move ahead," Creamer said.
Viewing Comments 1 - 3 of 3
Dani
posted 11/03/09 @ 9:31 AM EST
Why don't they just take that money and update Shriver? It seems like a waste to build another entire building when Shriver could be upgraded to fit more needs. (Continued…)
Jim
posted 11/03/09 @ 10:16 AM EST
With Miami having the highest tuition of all Ohio public universities, wouldn't $15 million from donors make more sense going to scholarships?
Bryan Rosenberg
posted 11/03/09 @ 5:19 PM EST
With money as tight as it is, staff cuts, and enrollment problems, a new student center is not a top priority. However, Shriver is a poor facility for a university of our caliber. (Continued…)
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