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Board Gives Final Renovation Approval
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OCTOBER 7, 2003 -- Michigan Tech's Board of Control gave final approval Oct. 7 to a major renovation of the university's largest residence hall.
The board passed a bond issue to fund the $31.3-million project, which beings in December and will be completed by fall 2005, said William Blumhardt, director of facilities management.
With 1,160 beds, Wadsworth Hall is the university's largest residence hall. It was originally constructed in 1955, with additions in 1957 and 1966. The renovations will be completed in several phases. The hall will continue to be occupied, and no more than 200 beds will be taken out of use at any given time.
The renovation will provide the amenities desired by today's students. Smaller "houses" within the larger residence hall will provide a lounge, kitchen, laundry and a greater sense of community. In addition, the remodeling provides enhanced privacy in the restrooms.
Life-safety upgrades, such as sprinklers, are also included. Wiring will be replaced to accommodate the numerous electronic devices students now bring to campus. Handicapped accessibility will be improved, and the dining services will be revamped, so food can be prepared to order.
Students will have more space, including more storage space. New furniture will be provided for the student room.
Design and construction management services for the project are being provided by Boldt/Hammel Green Abrahamson/U.P. Engineers and Architects.
The three-firm partnership brings together representatives from Boldt Construction of Appleton, Wis.; Hammel, Green and Abrahamson, an architectural engineering firm based in Minneapolis; and U.P. Engineers and Architects, of Houghton.
The board also approved the purchase of four diesel generators to serve as a back-up power generating system. The generators will provide enough electricity to keep the campus up and running in the event of a power outage.
The action qualifies the university to purchase power at a reduced rate, with a projected annual savings of about $250,000. The cost of the $3-million generating system will be added to the bond issue that supports the Wadsworth Hall renovations. |
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