From the 12/20/06 Athens Messenger:

 

 

Construction worker injured

ELIZABETH GOUSSETIS

Messenger staff writer

 

A construction worker who was working on the new Ohio University dorm on South Green was injured Tuesday afternoon when an unsupported wall he was working on fell on him.

 

Steven Snyder, of Valley Interior, was listed in fair condition at Grant Medical Center in Columbus this morning. Snyder suffered injuries to his right leg.

 

According to an Ohio University police report, Snyder was injured at 1:50 p.m. when an unsupported cinder block wall fell and knocked over the scaffolding he was standing on. He was secured to a guardrail with a harness. Snyder was lowered to the ground from the top floor by a crane.

 

http://athensmessenger.com/Main.asp?SectionID=1&ArticleID=2106

 

From the 12/21/06 Athens Messenger:

 

 

Another Construction Accident

ELIZABETH GOUSSETIS

Messenger staff writer

 

A worker was transported to the hospital Wednesday morning after falling from the rotunda of Ohio University's new Baker Center when the ladder he was standing on slid out from under him.  Ed Kinzel, of Akron-based Thomarios Painting, was working on the top part of the rotunda when the extension ladder, which was leaning against the wall, fell. The accident happened at about 8 a.m.

 

This is the second time in as many days a subcontractor has been injured working on a project on campus. In an unrelated incident, Steven Snyder, a Valley Interior carpenter, suffered leg injuries on Tuesday when an unsupported wall he was working on fell on him and knocked over the scaffolding he was standing on. Snyder was working on OU's new South Green dorm building. Snyder was listed in fair condition at Grant Medical Center in Columbus Wednesday.

 

Read more at http://athensmessenger.com/Main.asp?SectionID=1&ArticleID=2113

 

From the 12/30/06 Athens Messenger:

 

 

Jeff Hill to get new look

CASEY S. ELLIOTT

Staff Writer

 

Ohio University students returning to class next week will see a new version of Jeff Hill in Athens. City employees are removing the bricks from the street and replacing them with dirt and grass.

 

Jeff Hill is a steep hill located on East Union Street, nicknamed for OU's nearby Jefferson Hall. It has been closed to vehicles since a water break in 2002 that washed out a lot of soil and sand, making city officials uncertain of the safety of driving on the road. Estimated costs to repair the street exceed $275,000, which doesn't include costs for replacing water and sewer lines buried there.

 

http://athensmessenger.com/Main.asp?SectionID=1&ArticleID=2185

 

From the 1/4/07 Athens News:

 

New center seems to be a hit with students

By Jonathan Hunt

Athens NEWS Writer

Thursday, January 4th, 2007

 

It's cavernous, shiny and swank, and most Ohio University students and parents who strolled through the new Baker University Center seemed duly impressed.  OU's posh new student center opened to the public Tuesday afternoon, drawing mostly favorable reviews from visitors and a general sense that such a building has rarely, if ever, been seen in Athens.

 

"The architecture's very upbeat, and it's very nice," said sophomore Mat Pecikonis of Columbus.

 

"It's very pretty," agreed his friend Kevin Ley, a sophomore from Springboro.

 

"I think it's nice - a much-needed change," said sophomore Aundrea Dean of Cincinnati.

 

Anne Lombard, OU's assistant vice president for student affairs and director of Baker University Center and campus life, watched as scores of people rode escalators and gazed around the five-story atrium.  By combining an attractive place to study, eat or just hang out with enough office and conference space to house all student organizations, said Lombard, the university has added something of great value.

 

Read more at http://athensnews.com/index.php?action=viewarticle&section=news&story_id=26972

 

From the 1/7/07 Dispatch:

 

PHOTO: Multiple escalators transport students and faculty members inside Ohio University’s new five-story Baker Center, 1 Park Place. The center includes a restaurant, a coffeehouse, lots of lounge space and a shop with OU-themed items.  CHRIS RUSSELL DISPATCH PHOTOS

 

PHOTO: "This building brings a new face to campus," said senior Chad Silver, one of many students impressed with the new Baker Center. Nestled into a hillside, it connects upper and lower campus.

 

All that and escalators, too

Ohio U.’s brand-new student center is packed with amenities

Sunday, January 07, 2007

Mary Beth Lane

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

 

ATHENS, Ohio — Fun fact about the new student center at Ohio University: It is the only building in Athens County that has escalators.  That’s not all it has, but everyone from students to President Roderick McDavis mentioned the moving staircases as the new, $60 million Baker University Center opened last week.  "I thought it looked like a mall, with all the escalators," Megan Baldwin said approvingly.

 

The clean, modern appearance of the building appeals to the 21-year-old senior from Defiance, who is majoring in organizational communication. "More people are going to use it now."  Students got their first taste of the building when they returned from the holiday break Wednesday.

 

More at http://www.dispatch.com/news-story.php?story=dispatch/2007/01/07/20070107-C1-02.html

 

From the 1/8/07 Athens News:

 

'Jeff Hill' unbricked, but its future still undecided

By Nick Claussen

Athens NEWS Associate Editor

Monday, January 8th, 2007

 

All of the bricks have been removed from what used to be Jeff Hill on East Union Street, but city officials have not decided yet what will happen with the old road.  The roadway was closed to traffic several years ago, but always has enjoyed a large amount of pedestrian traffic.  The name Jeff Hill is short for Jefferson Hill, which refers to the large Ohio University dorm at the bottom of the hill.  OU students walk up and down the roadway often throughout the day.

 

Ray Hazlett, Athens service/safety director, said Friday that the roadway was in bad condition, so the city took out the bricks and planted grass.  "It became a safety hazard," Hazlett said.  City officials had been discussing what to do with the hill for some time, but putting a fence around the road was not feasible and would look bad, and taking out the bricks made the most sense, Hazlett said.

 

Full article at http://athensnews.com/index.php?action=viewarticle&section=news&story_id=26986

 

From the 1/10/07 (OU) Post:

 

PHOTO: Students returned from break to a different sight on Jeff Hill as the uneven and missing bricks that characterized the campus landmark were replaced by straw to foster the growth of grass.  Stephanie Ramsay / For The Post / [email protected]

 

Uprooting 100 years of history

Dianne Selden / Staff Writer / [email protected]

 

The de-bricking of Jeff Hill, the eastern end of Union Street, might represent a city-wide shift away from brick streets, Street Department Director Andy Stone said.  Brick streets will be maintained around Court Street and the central business district, but other brick city streets will slowly shift to asphalt when the bricks deteriorate, Stone added.

 

The Jeff Hill bricks were removed before students returned from Winter Intercession and were replaced by straw matting for $3,200, Stone said.  The locally made bricks had been in place on Jeff Hill since about 1900 and had special beveled edges to accommodate horses, Stone said.  Sloped city streets, such as the north end of Court Street, will be repaired with Jeff Hill’s old bricks, Stone added.

 

Full article at http://thepost.baker.ohiou.edu/articles/2007/01/10/news/16696.html

 

From the 1/11/07 Athens News:

 

 

Communication school explores likely move to old Baker

By David DeWitt

Athens NEWS Campus Reporter

Thursday, January 11th, 2007

 

Currently spread out among various campus buildings, Ohio University's Scripps College of Communication is working on finding a common home in the old Baker Center.

 

The college has hired The Collaborative Inc., an architectural firm based in Toledo, to do a preliminary study to analyze the college's program needs and the structural soundness of Baker. The firm has been doing hands-on engineering and architectural research since August and has visited with faculty.

 

Old Baker's purpose as a student center was transferred to the new Baker University Center earlier this month.

 

http://athensnews.com/index.php?action=viewarticle&section=news&story_id=27018

 

From the 1/16/07 (OU) Post:

 

 

PHOTO: The new roadway, scheduled to be completed in 2008 with offer Athens' citizens easier access to the new Baker Center from Richland Avenue  Amanda Yezerski / Infograph Designer / [email protected]

 

Road to new Baker to pave over Anderson Lab

David Hendricks / [email protected]

 

Construction of a road from Richland Avenue to the new Baker University Center is slated for completion in October 2008, a university official said.

 

To improve access to the new center with the road, Ohio University is also demolishing the Anderson Laboratory building and constructing a $5.7 million expansion to Porter Hall.

 

“It’s a challenge for the public to get there,” said John Kotowski, associate vice president for facilities. The project’s goal is better access to Porter, Baker and Bird Arena for the general public and service vehicles, he said.

 

http://thepost.baker.ohiou.edu/articles/2007/01/16/news/16754.html

 

Both from the 1/19/07 (OU) Post:

 

 

OU presents campus plans

Laura Bernheim / Staff Writer / [email protected]

 

Ohio University officials gave students, faculty and the administrators an opportunity yesterday to participate in plans that could reshape the Athens campus over the next 10 years.

 

University Planning & Implementation held an open forum to discuss a toolkit that contains information and data from studies involving on- and off-campus housing and space needs for academic purposes.

 

“I have no problem finding needs on campus,” said Pam Callahan, university planner. “Our revenue just isn’t what it used to be, and that’s why this process is so necessary.”

 

Students, faculty and administrators walked through Walter Hall Rotunda yesterday afternoon to view presentation boards that illustrated some of the drastic changes that could be in store for OU. Callahan gave a PowerPoint presentation to about 30 people at 4:30 p.m.

 

http://thepost.baker.ohiou.edu/articles/2007/01/19/news/17105.html

 

From the 1/22/07 (OU) Post:

 

PHOTO: The new residence hall on South Green continues to take shape, showing a drastic difference since the beginning of Fall Quarter.  Natalie Boydston / Staff Photographer / [email protected]

 

Hall set to open in fall

Jessica Holbrook / For The Post / [email protected]

 

A new upperclassmen residence hall should be available on South Green for Fall Quarter, but if the building is not completed on time, renovations to other residence halls could be pushed back, university officials said.  Lincoln Hall, which is scheduled for renovation at the start of next year, could remain open to house residents until the new hall is available, but students who are assigned to Lincoln would be given new assignments after its closure.

 

The addition of a new residence hall will allow the university to take buildings offline for renovations.  A proposed $100 million construction plan to renovate 12 residence halls, first introduced at the Dec. 1 Board of Trustees meeting, would send one or two halls offline each year until 2015, according to a Dec. 4 Post story.

 

The addition of the new residence hall's 305 beds and the loss of Lincoln Hall's 204 beds will result in 146 additional beds.  There are 7,307 students living in residence halls.

 

Full article at http://thepost.baker.ohiou.edu/articles/2007/01/22/news/17121.html

 

Good lord. What a complete mess. It seems as if the developer wanted to do a half-ass job of submitting the documents, get regulation, etc., then shift the blame to the city when things went wrong.

 

Seems like a lot of developments here...

From the 12/21/06 Athens News:

 

 

Plans for southside apt. complex evolve

By Jonathan Hunt

Athens NEWS Writer

Thursday, December 21st, 2006

 

Evolving plans for a student-housing complex on the south side of Athens near The Ridges could lead to a smaller footprint for the housing construction itself, but a larger, more complicated project overall.  City officials acknowledge that the latest plans for the Summit at Coates Run look better than previous versions of the project, formerly known as Campus Edge.  Only one home on Greenbrier Drive, it now appears, would be demolished, for example, and heavy equipment would mostly stay off city streets.

 

http://athensnews.com/index.php?action=viewarticle&section=news&story_id=26904

 

From the 1/18/07 Athens News:

 

 

Council votes down agreement for Richland Avenue apartment project

By Jonathan Hunt

Athens NEWS Writer

Thursday, January 18th, 2007

 

Athens City Council voted unanimously Tuesday against authorizing a development agreement between the city and the Columbus firm seeking to build the Summit at Coates Run student housing complex on the city's near south side.

 

http://athensnews.com/index.php?action=viewarticle&section=news&story_id=27074

 

From the 2/5/07 Athens News:

 

 

Planning board green-lights student apartments

By Jonathan Hunt

Athens NEWS Writer

Monday, February 5th, 2007

 

The Athens City Planning Commission approved the Summit at Coates Run student-housing complex Thursday, sending the proposal to City Council for a final decision despite neighborhood concerns.  The 258-unit project is planned for a hill on the south side of Athens between the Ohio University Inn, the Dairy Barn Cultural Arts Center and Carriage Hill Apartments.

 

http://athensnews.com/index.php?action=viewarticle&section=news&story_id=27266

 

Are there any pictures? When I lived around there, I wondered about how large the center was going be and the type of support facilities it would feature.

 

edit: I found some. It looks like a church.

 

http://www.southern.ohiou.edu/pages/campuses/proctorville/index.htm

From the 3/22/07 Athens News:

 

Strickland's education budget has local winners and losers

By Nick Claussen

Athens NEWS Associate Editor

Thursday, March 22nd, 2007

 

The proposed state budget from Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland calls for some changes in school funding that would impact local school districts, but local officials are still waiting to see if the changes would hurt or help their districts.

 

And while the funding proposals would seem to help local school districts, state budget reports show that the financially strapped Federal Hocking Local School District would receive no extra funding next year and very little the year after. The report also shows that the Athens City School District would not receive any extra funding in either of the next two years.

 

MORE: http://athensnews.com/index.php?action=viewarticle&section=news&story_id=27720

 

From the 1/29/07 Athens News:

 

 

Talks may resolve Estates legal dispute

Monday, January 29th, 2007

 

A tentative settlement is in the works to end litigation between University Estates developers and the city of Athens, two attorneys close to the negotiations confirmed Friday.

 

 

http://athensnews.com/index.php?action=viewarticle&section=news&story_id=27188

 

From the 2/8/07 Athens News:

 

 

With settlement supposedly pending, UE suit still active

Thursday, February 8th, 2007

 

Although a settlement is in the works, attorneys defending the city of Athens against a lawsuit filed by the developer of University Estates have not stopped fighting the case.  In a memorandum filed in federal court last Thursday, attorney Matthew Fornshell of Columbus sought to protect additional communications by Athens Law Director Garry Hunter from being submitted as evidence.

 

 

http://athensnews.com/index.php?action=viewarticle&section=news&story_id=27288

 

From the 3/12/07 Athens News:

 

 

Contractor sues U. Estates developer

Monday, March 12th, 2007

 

A developer who is suing the city of Athens for allegedly tying up a large housing/commercial project in red tape, has now been sued by a Nelsonville paving company for alleged non-payment of the contractor's bill for work on the project.  Black Top Contracting, Inc., sued University Estates, Inc. in Athens County Common Pleas Court last Monday.

 

 

http://athensnews.com/index.php?action=viewarticle&section=news&story_id=27601

 

From the 3/29/07 Athens News:

 

 

City, developer reach settlement in lawsuit

Thursday, March 29th, 2007

 

The city of Athens and firm developing a large site on the west side of the city have jointly announced the settlement of a federal lawsuit over the development.  University Estates, Inc. (UE), is working on a mixed commercial/residential project on an 830-acre site off Ohio Rt. 682 and Armitage Road, which was recently annexed into the city.

 

More at http://athensnews.com/index.php?action=viewarticle&section=news&story_id=27770

 

From the 4/5/07 Athens News:

 

 

Developer pleased with legal settlement

By Nick Claussen

Athens NEWS Associate Editor

Thursday, April 5th, 2007

 

Richard Conard is a happy man.  He has settled the legal disputes with the city of Athens over his University Estates development project, he held an open house for the development on Tuesday, and the project will see a large amount of construction this summer.  University Estates is a massive, 830-acre project on Athens northwest side that includes condominiums, single-family homes, assisted living/continuing care, a golf course and even commercial development.

 

More at

http://athensnews.com/index.php?action=viewarticle&section=news&story_id=27831

 

From the 2/1/07 Athens News:

 

While OU cuts sports, it retains ambitious athletic facilities plan

By Nick Claussen

Athens NEWS Associate Editor

Thursday, February 1st, 2007

 

At the same time that Ohio University is cutting four varsity sports, the athletics department is also making plans to improve its facilities, which would be paid for with private funds.  No money is available yet, but the university is putting together an athletics master plan that calls for improvements to Peden Stadium, construction of an indoor practice facility, and improvements to the softball and soccer stadiums.

 

Kirby Hocutt, director of athletics at OU, confirmed Tuesday that the university is moving forward on raising money to fund these improvements.  He addressed several issues related to the budget cuts, including the following:

 

* How can these improvements be happening at a time when the athletics department is facing a $4 million budget deficit and just announced that it is cutting four sports?

 

* If the university is raising private money for these improvements, why can't it just raise private money to pay to keep the four sports?

 

* Does the football team make money or lose money for the university?

 

* What happened to the extra $1.5 million the university pledged to give the athletics department two years ago?

 

Full article at http://athensnews.com/index.php?action=viewarticle&section=news&story_id=27229

 

From the 2/5/07 Post:

 

Vision Ohio session draws brief crowd

David Hendricks / Staff Writer / [email protected]

 

A presentation on Vision Ohio progress was interrupted briefly Friday by a swarm of protestors but was otherwise sparsely attended.  Students for a Democratic Society flooded into the poster session and stayed for less than a half hour before leaving en masse.  Will Klatt, a SDS organizer, estimated 80 students marched from College Green to Baker University Center, where they hoped to find OU President Roderick McDavis.

 

All team recommendations will be reviewed by executive implementation teams and then discussed with the university president, provost and deans, according to the Vision Ohio Web site.

 

Full article at http://thepost.baker.ohiou.edu/articles/2007/02/05/news/17464.html

 

From the 2/6/07 Post:

 

Baker Center dining options affect uptown businesses

Andrea Golby / Staff Writer / [email protected]

 

After a month of serving customers at its food court, a new Front Room Coffee Shop and the upscale Latitude 39 restaurant, Baker University Center has doled out a hit to some Uptown businesses, owners say.  My Favorite Muffin and Bagel Café at 5 N. Court St. took a major hit, with sales down 53 percent in January from the same month last year, co-owner Lawarence Fetty said.

 

The new Baker University Center opening was a “double whammy” for My Favorite Muffin because the store used to supply muffins to the old Front Room. When it moved to the new Baker Center, Baker officials decided to make everything in-house. That decision cost My Favorite Muffin $90 a day.  Jodi Flinn, a manager at Taco Bell on Court Street, said she thinks business was down about 25 percent during that time compared to 2006. “Especially the first week it opened; it was slower,” she said.

 

More at http://thepost.baker.ohiou.edu/articles/2007/02/06/news/17486.html

 

From Ohio University Outlook, 2/7/07:

 

* RENDERING: One of the conceptual drawings presented by The Collaborative Inc. of what the former Baker Center could look like.

 

New communication building a mix of renovation, new construction

Scripps College to retain portion of former Baker Center

 

ATHENS, Ohio (Feb. 7, 2007) -- Scripps College of Communication Dean Greg Shepherd met with faculty and staff Tuesday evening to unveil a plan to house the college in one facility that combines the former Baker Center and the Radio-Television Building.  The preliminary concept, which Toledo-based architectural firm The Collaborative Inc. finalized this week, involves renovating a portion of the former Baker Center, renovating the Radio-Television Building, and removing a part of Baker to construct a new section that will connect the two buildings.

 

Full article at http://thepost.baker.ohiou.edu/articles/2007/02/07/news/17528.html

 

Link contains photos.  From the 2/12/07 Post:

 

Grand opening celebrates student center's purpose

Bethany Furkin / Staff Writer / [email protected]

 

At 11:30 Saturday morning, the atrium of Baker University Center was filled with the sounds of cheers, claps and the snipping of scores of scissors.  For the grand opening of the center, students from every Ohio county, every state and every country represented on campus were given the opportunity to cut the green ribbon that circled the third-, fourth- and fifth-floor atrium.

 

Ohio University President Roderick McDavis dedicated the center to the memory of John Calhoun Baker, the university’s 14th president who is considered to be the father of the modern OU.  Baker understood the importance of a central student center, McDavis said, adding that the new Baker Center will serve a similar purpose.  “It was created with the most deliberate of intentions — to bring together students, faculty, staff, alumni and Athens community members,” he said.  “This is the heart of our vibrant, spirited community.”

 

Full article at http://athensmessenger.com/Main.asp?SectionID=1&ArticleID=2573

 

From the 2/16/07 Post:

 

JUST IN: Trustees delay Porter addition

David Hendricks / Staff Writer / [email protected]

 

Ohio University’s Board of Trustees unanimously tabled a $5.7 million dollar expansion to Porter Hall and the demolition of Anderson Laboratory to make way for improved access to the new Baker University Center because of budget concerns.  Approximately $3.7 million from the state of Ohio and $3.6 million of university funding were earmarked for the $7.2 million project.  The university is not sure how the money from the project will be reshuffled, if at all, but the decision will be made in time for the next board meeting in April, said George Mauzy, OU media specialist.

 

University Funding of the Porter/Anderson Project

Total: $3,523,716

College of Arts and Sciences: $2,002,443

Baker University Center: $700,000

Office of the Provost: $571,273

Department of Psychology: $250,000

 

Full article at http://thepost.baker.ohiou.edu/articles/2007/02/16/news/17760.html

 

Link contains a photo.  From the 2/18/07 Athens Messenger:

 

The Baker effect

Merchants: New student center seems to affect business

ELIZABETH GOUSSETIS

Messenger staff writer

 

Location, location, location.  They say it's the No. 1 rule in real estate, but uptown moms and pops know it's just as true for business.  After a month and a half of competing with the new Baker Center, some are still wondering how the new student center will affect their businesses.

 

"In the first two weeks we really noticed a difference. We looked at our sales, and we were pretty discouraged," said Donkey Coffee and Espresso owner Chris Pyle. "But gradually we went up to about what we were making this time last year."  Pyle said Donkey has made it five years without a plateau in sales, each quarter doing better than the one before, until now. 

 

For Pyle, competing with Baker Center's Front Room - always a popular hangout for coffee drinkers - was not new.  But the Front Room at the old Baker Center, like Donkey, had a limited seating capacity and brewed its own drinks.

 

More at http://athensmessenger.com/Main.asp?SectionID=1&ArticleID=2626

 

From the 2/22/07 Post:

 

New venue needed at OU

Susan Tebben / For The Post / [email protected]

 

Authorities and students from the School of Music say funding is needed for a more efficient performance space.  According to the budget summary for academic programs for the 2006-07 fiscal year, the entire College of Fine Arts was allotted $15.7 million, or 10.6 percent, of the Ohio University Athens Campus General Funds Budget.  The school also receives about $100,000 in donations, said Charles McWeeny, dean of the college.

 

The College of Fine Arts allotted the School of Music approximately $3.2 million, or 21 percent of the college’s budget, McWeeny said.  It was mentioned at the Jan. 26 Town Hall Meeting that the School of Music pays approximately $995 for a week of space in Templeton-Blackburn Alumni Memorial Auditorium. These costs go toward maintenance, equipment rental and the student payroll, said Andrew Holzaepfel, associate director at MemAud.

 

More at http://thepost.baker.ohiou.edu/articles/2007/02/22/news/17821.html

 

Link contains a photo.  From the 3/5/07 Athens News:

 

Uptown eateries report varied effects of new Baker Center

By Nick Claussen

Athens NEWS Associate Editor

Monday, March 5th, 2007

 

When Ohio University designed the new Baker University Center, it was done to create a building where students would want to go and spend time during the day studying, meeting with friends, eating or just relaxing.  It also, however, created a facility that competes with uptown Athens restaurants, and is cutting into the customer base for some of them. Not every uptown business owner says his or her business has been impacted, but several say their sales are down significantly since Baker Center opened.

 

And while the common conception in Athens is that uptown businesses have a built-in advantage because of all of captive customers from OU, another fast-food restaurant is planning to move off Court Street and onto East State Street.  The Athens Taco Bell used to proclaim that it was the world's largest Taco Bell because of all of the space inside, and general manager Jodi Flinn said Friday that the restaurant may still be the world's largest, even though the upstairs portion closed a few years ago.  Most Taco Bells do not have as much seating or kitchen space, she said.

 

Full article at http://thepost.baker.ohiou.edu/articles/2007/03/05/news/17984.html

 

From the 3/8/07 Athens News:

 

OU Housing office plans ahead for expected enrollment increases

By Garrett Downing

Athens News Campus Reporter

Thursday, March 8th, 2007

 

In future years, the administration plans to increase the number of students attending Ohio University, which could cramp space in residence halls.  As OU hopes to improve enrollment goals, the rooms in residence halls available to junior and senior students could take a hit.

 

To plan ahead for increased enrollment, Director of Housing Beverley Wyatt worked with a committee to develop the "most fair" process to control the number of juniors and seniors living in the dorms.  Members of Student Senate and tRAC (the Resident Action Council) also worked on the committee to decide on the plan, which has been developed over the course of a year.

 

Currently, freshman and sophomore non-commuters are required to live in the dorms, while upperclassmen have the option of living either on- or off-campus.  Most choose the latter, though a significant number every year choose to remain in the residence hall system.

 

Full article at http://athensnews.com/index.php?action=viewarticle&section=news&story_id=27569

 

From the 3/12/07 Athens News:

 

New access point available to south campus, though mum's the word

By Nick Claussen

Athens NEWS Associate Editor

Monday, March 12th, 2007

 

For several years, Ohio University officials talked about building a road that would connect campus with Stimson Avenue and provide a new front door for the university.  In 2003, the plan was put on hold because of funding problems.  Since that time, the road has not been discussed much publicly, but now, in a sense, it's actually open.  It's not an official front door to campus or anything like that, but for most people it's a new road that seems to have just quietly appeared and opened. 

 

At the beginning of the school year, the managers of Mill Street Apartments decided to open the gate in their parking lot, basically creating another road from Stimson Avenue to Mill Street, effectively providing easier access to the South Green and apartment complexes near the South and East greens.  Previously, the gate was closed at most times, cutting off access to the parking lot from Stimson Avenue.  Residents had to drive from Mill Street down an access road/driveway to get to the parking lot.  With the gate open now, though, drivers can take the access road past the parking lot to travel to and from Stimson Avenue.

 

Full article at http://athensnews.com/index.php?action=viewarticle&section=news&story_id=27611

 

From the 4/19/07 Athens News:

 

* PHOTO: Construction of the new dorm on South Green starts to come to completion. The university hopes to move students into the dorm by the Fall of 2007.  Brittany Bott / Staff Photographer / [email protected]

 

South Green’s new dorm slated to open Fall Quarter

Jessica Holbrook / For The Post / [email protected]

 

Ohio University officials are guaranteeing the new residence hall on South Green will be open Fall Quarter, but some students could find themselves temporarily in nearby Cady House if construction delays part of the building’s completion.  The $24 million, 350-bed hall is divided into a larger A side and a smaller B side.  The building will have the A side available for residents, and if construction falls behind, it will delay opening the B side, said Beverly Wyatt, director of housing.

 

Students scheduled to live in the B side of the new building will be temporarily housed in the 96-bed Cady House on South Green, Wyatt said.  Cady House will be available for students Fall Quarter only in the case of a delay and then will be taken offline to house student-athletes during Winter Intercession and host large conference groups later in the year.  In the past, student-athletes that needed to remain on campus during Winter Intercession were housed in off-campus locations.

 

Full article at http://thepost.baker.ohiou.edu/articles/2007/04/19/news/19295.html

 

From the 4/23/07 Athens News:

 

 

Despite concerns over cost, OU Trustees OK Porter building, road project

By Nick Claussen

Athens NEWS Associate Editor

Monday, April 23rd, 2007

 

The Ohio University Board of Trustees Friday approved plans for an addition to Porter Hall and a new road to be built connecting Richland Avenue and the new Baker Center.  The trustees also discusses other issues such as enrollment projections and granting honorary doctoral degrees to five individuals, including Hocking College President John Light.

 

In February, the Trustees tabled a proposal to add 26,000 square feet of space onto Porter Hall and build the new road. On Friday, several of the trustees indicated they were concerned that the proposal was back before them so soon.  The proposal calls for tearing down Anderson Hall (which is located next to Porter Hall), adding onto Porter Hall, and constructing a new road that would run next to Porter Hall and connect Richland Avenue with the new Baker Center.

 

Read more at http://athensnews.com/index.php?action=viewarticle&section=news&story_id=27968

 

From the 3/1/07 Athens News:

 

 

Council balks at developer's push for quick vote on big south-side project

By Nick Claussen

Athens NEWS Associate Editor

Thursday, March 1st, 2007

 

The developer of a proposed Richland Avenue apartment complex asked Athens City Council members on Tuesday to schedule a vote quickly on his project, but they said they need more information and would not schedule a vote.  To say the project is controversial is an understatement, as a wide variety of opinions were offered about the proposal at an Athens City Council committee meeting Tuesday evening.

 

http://athensnews.com/index.php?action=viewarticle&section=news&story_id=27513

 

From the 3/8/07 Athens News:

 

 

Will developer try to get project approved as single building?

By Nick Claussen

Athens NEWS Associate Editor

Thursday, March 8th, 2007

 

The developers behind a large apartment project planned for Richland Avenue have been pushing for Athens City Council to vote on the matter, but now they may have found a way to have their project approved without a vote.  The development is the Summit at Coates Run apartment complex, which is planned for the hillside on Richland Avenue just across the street from the University Courtyard complex and between the Ohio University Inn, Dairy Barn Cultural Arts Center and Carriage Hill Apartments.

 

At a Feb. 27 Athens City Council committee meeting, developer Rich Kirk of Edwards Communities asked council to move quickly on the project. He is proposing a development that would have 257 apartment units, with a total of 878 beds. At that time, Kirk was proposing a development with several building, along with a clubhouse and space for eventual commercial development.

 

Read more at http://athensnews.com/index.php?action=viewarticle&section=news&story_id=27571

 

From the 3/15/07 Athens News:

 

 

As council prepares to vote on south-side project, developers may change plans

By Nick Claussen

Athens NEWS Associate Editor

Thursday, March 15th, 2007

 

Athens City Council is on track to vote on a south-side student-housing development in April, but by the time the vote is held, the developer may have changed plans for the project so a vote will not be required.  Edwards Communities is proposing to build the Summit at Coates Run apartment complex on the ridgetop on Richland Avenue just across the street from the University Courtyard apartment complex and between the Ohio University Inn, Dairy Barn Cultural Arts Center and Carriage Hill Apartments.

 

In February, Rich Kirk of Edwards Communities said the plans called for a project that would have 257 apartment units and a total of 878 beds, along with a clubhouse building and room for eventual commercial development.  Last week, the developers introduced a second set of plans for one large building that would still house roughly the same number of students. Because this proposal involves just one building, it's not a planned unit development (PUD) and therefore does not require approval from Athens City Council.

 

http://athensnews.com/index.php?action=viewarticle&section=news&story_id=27664

 

From the 3/22/07 Athens News:

 

 

Student-apartment developer withdraws plans; now what?

By Nick Claussen

Athens NEWS Associate Editor

Thursday, March 22nd, 2007

 

Developers planning a student-housing apartment complex on Richland Avenue across the street from the University Courtyard complex have withdrawn one set of plans, and apparently will try to get a separate set of plans approved without a vote from Athens City Council.

 

http://athensnews.com/index.php?action=viewarticle&section=news&story_id=27716

 

From the 5/8/07 Athens Messenger:

 

 

Residents file appeal over planned development

CASEY S. ELLIOTT

Staff Writer

 

Neighbors of a proposed student apartment complex in Athens have filed a court appeal seeking to stop development of the project.  Greenbriar Drive residents Don and Joyce Lambert and Beechwood Drive resident Mark Heflin filed an appeal in Athens County Common Pleas Court. The controversial project, called The Summit at Coates Run, would be built behind the Ohio University Inn off Richland Avenue.

 

http://athensmessenger.com/Main.asp?SectionID=1&ArticleID=3454

 

From the 5/17/07 Athens News:

 

 

Stimson Avenue student housing project still a go

By Nick Claussen

Athens NEWS Associate Editor

Thursday, May 17th, 2007

 

The Summit at Coates Run project is getting a lot of attention in Athens because it is being built as a single building, eliminating the need for approval from Athens City Council.

 

http://athensnews.com/index.php?action=viewarticle&section=news&story_id=28278

 

From the 6/4/07 Athens News:

 

 

Big student complex hits a few bumps in approval process

By Jim Phillips

Athens NEWS Senior Writer

Monday, June 4th, 2007

 

Athens' law director has asked a judge to throw out a legal appeal filed by three city residents that challenges the city's issuance of a permit for a planned housing development off Richland Avenue.  That permit, meanwhile, reportedly was revoked by the city last week, though apparently this was done based on a technical problem that can be fixed.

 

http://athensnews.com/index.php?action=viewarticle&section=news&story_id=28428

 

From the 6/20/07 Athens Messenger:

 

 

Law director won't take action against development now

CASEY S. ELLIOTT

Staff Writer

 

A request for a taxpayer lawsuit against a proposed south-side apartment project is premature, according to Athens Law Director Garry Hunter.  Hunter's opinion is in a letter sent Monday to Herman Carson, an attorney representing citizens who asked Hunter to take action to stop the Summit at Coates Run, a student apartment building that would be built off Richland Avenue.

 

Hunter called the request "hypothetical and speculative," arguing that there is no basis for filing a taxpayer lawsuit because the city has revoked the only permit issued for the project. The permit was rescinded because the developer currently does not have ownership of all of the project site, but the permit is expected to eventually be re-issued.

 

http://athensmessenger.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=273&ArticleID=3959&TM=46770.08

 

From the 6/21/07 Athens Messenger:

 

 

Residents seek to block Coates Run permits

CASEY S. ELLIOTT

Staff Writer

 

Two Athens residents are seeking an injunction to stop the city of Athens from issuing any permits for a controversial student housing development off Richland Avenue.  And, those residents are asking Athens County Common Pleas Court Judge Alan Goldsberry to declare that the proposed design of the Summit at Coates Run project constitutes multiple buildings, and thus is subject to the city's planned unit development regulations. The apartment project is being developed by Edwards Communities of Columbus.

 

http://athensmessenger.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=273&ArticleID=3972&TM=46430.98

 

From the 7/16/07 Athens News:

 

 

City asks judge to toss latest lawsuit aimed at Coates Run

Monday, July 16th, 2007

 

The city of Athens has asked a judge to dismiss a lawsuit by a south-side couple, which seeks to raise a regulatory hurdle for a large student apartment complex planned for a site off Richland Avenue.  Don and Joyce Lambert of Greenbriar Drive filed their complaint in Athens County Common Pleas Court June 18, seeking a declaratory judgment that the city has to treat the Summit at Coates Run project as a planned unit development.

 

This would mean that the project has to get City Council approval before it can proceed, from a council that has already raised questions about the plans. Currently, the city is treating the apartment block as a single building, which skirts the need for council to review and vote on it.  The Summit at Coates Run is being developed by Edwards Communities of Columbus.  Plans call for a 242-apartment block, with beds for more than 870 tenants, and more than 335,000 square feet of space.

 

Read more at http://athensnews.com/index.php?action=viewarticle&section=news&story_id=28791

 

Couple of Ohio University related projects being affected by the banking credit crisis from today's Athens News...

 

NCR cites credit crunch as main culprit in nixing Stimson project

October 6, 2008

By Jim Phillips, The Athens News

 

Plans for a continuing-care retirement community on Ohio University land near Stimson Avenue have been canceled. National Church Residences, a Columbus-based non-profit that had planned to lease 16 acres from OU to build the facility, announced Friday that it was giving up on the project.  The retirement project has been among the most disputed issues in Athens over the past four years.

 

NCR had faced opposition from both a rival retirement home company, which sued to block the lease with OU, and from neighborhood residents who were concerned about building in the Hocking River flood plain, and eliminating green space at the building site.

 

Read more at http://www.athensnews.com/news/local/2008/oct/06/ncr-cites-credit-crunch-main-culprit-nixing-stimso/

 

 

---

 

Credit crisis gives OU a scare involving big apartment complex

October 6, 2008

By Jim Phillips, The Athens News

 

By the time Congress passed its massive rescue/bailout of the financial industry last week, Ohio University had already begun feeling the dire effects of the nationwide credit implosion.  At their meeting Thursday and Friday, OU Trustees learned that returns on investment are dropping for both the university’s working capital and its foundation endowment.

 

Read more at http://www.athensnews.com/news/campusnews/2008/oct/06/credit-crisis-gives-ou-scare-involving-big-apartme/

 

$405.2 million cost

Capital-improvement plan gets OU trustees' backing

Friday, October 2, 2009 

By Dave Hendricks

FOR THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

 

Ohio University trustees unanimously approved a capital-improvement plan today that calls for spending $405.2 million over 10 years.  Big pieces of the plan include $202.2 million to renovate most of the East Green residence halls and $153.6 million to make over Clippinger, Seigfred, McCracken and Tupper halls and construct a building for the Scripps College of Communication. 

 

An additional $29.3 million will go to the five regional campuses.  The work would be performed in phases between 2011 and 2020.  Half the costs would be paid with housing, dining and airport funds; 38 percent would come from the state; and the remainder would come from gifts and grants to the university.  Trustees said the campus will scale back the plan if the university gets less capital-improvements money from the state.

 

Full story at http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2009/10/02/OUapproves.html?sid=101

Ohio University gets $13 million for arts center

Tuesday,  January 12, 2010 - 3:00 AM

By Dave Hendricks

FOR THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

 

A 1938 alumna has pledged more than $13 million to Ohio University to establish a center for arts education, officials announced yesterday.  The gift from Violet L. Patton, 92, is among the 20 largest personal donations in Ohio University history, said Jennifer Bowie, director of development.  The money will be used to build or renovate a home for the center; fund scholarships, fellowships and residencies for visiting artists; and build links between the university and the region.  OU officials haven't decided where the center will be. 

 

Patton contacted university officials about the gift last summer, asking for a proposal of how the money would be spent.  Patton placed the money in a charitable trust and will live off the interest until she dies.  At that time, the university will have access to the money.  The building would not move past the planning stage until then, said Renee Middleton, dean of the College of Education.

 

Full article at http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2010/01/12/OU_gift.ART_ART_01-12-10_B3_V5G9B4K.html?sid=101

Between this and the $13 million donation from the 92 year old alumna reported earlier, OU is really rolling in the dough.

 

Ohio University makes a bundle on sale of company

School's share in sale of Diagnostic Hybrids could total $41 million

Thursday,  January 14, 2010

By Bill Bush

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

 

Wilfred Konneker attended Ohio University in the 1940s and was an early pioneer in nuclear physics before founding several companies and becoming one of the university's financial benefactors.  Sunday, he came through again -- big time.

 

Diagnostic Hybrids, a company he helped found in 1983 with two OU professors and the financial backing of the university foundation, was sold to a California company for $130 million.  The foundation's cut could total almost $41 million, officials said.

 

Full article at http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2010/01/14/Diagnostic_hybrids.ART_ART_01-14-10_B1_Q0G9U74.html?sid=101

5-YEAR PLAN

Ohio University wants demand to drive enrollment growth

Wednesday,  January 13, 2010

By Encarnacion Pyle, The Columbus Dispatch

 

After setting enrollment records this school year, Ohio University hopes to continue the momentum for years to come with a new growth plan.  The plan calls for admitting more students in new and existing programs that can handle the load and recruiting more out-of-state, international and transfer students.  "We don't want to grow just for growth's sake," Craig Cornell, vice provost for enrollment management, said.  "Instead, we want a plan that is smart, strategic and sustainable."

 

In August, trustees asked campus leaders to create the five-year growth plan.  The board will review the first phase at its meeting Thursday and Friday.

 

MAP: LOCATION AND ENROLLMENT OF OHIO UNIVERSITY MAIN CAMPUS AND BRANCHES

 

Full article at http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2010/01/13/OU_growth.ART0_ART_01-13-10_B2_ACG9MC1.html?sid=101