COLUMBUS -- A variety of campus construction and renovation projects aimed at improving Ohio State's infrastructure were given the go-ahead by the university's Board of Trustees in their meeting on Wednesday (8/30).

Selection of architectural/engineering firms

Trustees authorized the selection of architectural/engineering firms as necessary for the following:

· Design and cost estimating for HVAC renovations, roof repair and lobby renovations in the Wexner Center. Cost will be determined during the design process, with funding for design provided by House Bill 640.

· Initial planning of a large, level 3 isolation facility for animals and plants at the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center (OARDC) in Wooster. Total cost will be determined during the initial planning phase, with funding for planning provided by House Bill 640.

· Preliminary design phases for a portion of projects included in the College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Master Plan. Planning funds, estimated at $1.5 million, are provided in House Bill 640.

· A feasibility study to restore and renovate the interior space of the Main Library. Total estimated project cost will be determined during the study, with $500,000 for the feasibility study provided in House Bill 640.

Construction bids sought

Trustees authorized the selection of architectural/engineering firms and requested construction bids for the following:

· Renovation of classroom 200 in Campbell Hall and 014 in University Hall to improve the quality of teaching and learning facilities. Total estimated project cost is $1.06 million, and estimated construction cost is $776,000, with funding provided by House Bill 640.

· Rebuilding a section of Woody Hayes Drive between Herrick Drive and Kenny Road to carry bus traffic. Total estimated project cost is $1.5 million, and the total estimated construction cost is $1.275 million, with funding provided by House Bill 640.

· Replacement of two medium pressure boilers with five "Ohio Special" boilers and upgrade of support equipment on the OARDC campus. Total estimated cost is $1.32 million, and the total estimated construction cost is $1.1 million, with funding provided by House Bill 640.

· Renovation of the administrative and academic space on the first floor of Morrill Hall at OSU-Marion. Total estimated cost is $1.53 million, and the total estimated construction cost is $1.275 million, with funding provided by House Bill 640 and the Marion Campus ($170,650).

· Installation of a central HVAC system and upgrading of laboratories and support rooms in Gourley Hall, and installation of growth chambers and upgrading space for the entomology department in Thorne Hall on the OARDC campus. Total estimated project cost is $4.2 million, and the total estimated construction cost is $3.2 million, with funding provided by House Bill 640.

· Modification of Celeste Laboratory's HVAC system to improve reliability and reduce operating and maintenance costs. Total estimated cost is $800,000, and the total estimated construction cost is $664,000, with funding provided by House Bill 640.

· Renovation of space in Fawcett Center housing University Development offices. Total estimated cost is $702,000, and the total estimated construction cost is $538,200, with funding provided by University Development.

· Renovation of the third floor of the Wilce Student Health Center. Total estimated cost is $270,000, and the total estimated construction cost is $195,844, with funding provided by the Office of Student Affairs.

· Bringing into compliance Starling Loving Hall's fire protection system. Total estimated cost is $250,000, and total estimated construction cost is $207,500, with funding provided by House Bill 640.

· Improved accessibility to the Hughes Hall Auditorium and restrooms, and wheelchair and companion seating. Total estimated cost is $200,000, and the total estimated construction cost is $166,000, with funding provided by House Bill 640.

Contracts awarded

Trustees accepted a report on the awarding of contracts and establishment of contingency funds for the construction of the following:

· The Jesse Owens Track/Soccer Stadium - a soccer stadium and replacement facility for the Jesse Owens track previously in the Ohio Stadium. Total project cost is $7.5 million, with funding provided by university bonds. Projected completion date is January 2001. Architect of record is Moody-Nolan Ltd., Columbus.

· The Spirit of Women Park - a park bounded by Dodd Hall, McCampbell Hall, University Hospitals Clinic and the School of Allied Medical Professions dedicated to the important contributions of women. Total project cost is $1.25 million, with funding provided by University Hospitals. Projected completion date is December 2000. Landscape architect of record is Kinzelman/Kline, Columbus.

Easement granted; land parcel sold

In other business, the trustees authorized the granting of a 25-year easement along West Lane Avenue near North Star Road to the Huntington National Bank, Trustee. The easement consists of approximately .221 acres needed to install a sanitary sewer under a service road. The board also authorized the sale of 17.7 acres of unimproved land on Eiterman Road in Dublin, Oh. Proceeds of the sale will remain in the university's endowment fund for reinvestment.

Continued support for Campus Partners, Science and Technology Campus

Trustees also authorized the release of up to $1.8 million in endowment funds to Campus Partners for Community Urban Development Inc. for the purchase of additional real estate in the university area deemed necessary for long-range plans. To date, the total amount released for the University Gateway Center and other Campus Partners' initiatives is $22.8 million of the $25 million in endowed funds initially identified for revitalization efforts.

Trustees also agreed to continue support for the Science and Technology Campus (STC) Corporation, approving the corporation's revised comprehensive development plan. The university is authorized to extend leases of property to STC for an additional three years and to provide continued operating support of up to $300,000 per year for 2001-02 and 2002-03.

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