Construction includes:

 

A $65M business school

 

A $29M school of engineering and applied science

 

A $50M ice arena

 

A $31M complex of 6 student apartment buildings

 

A $25M psychology building

 

A $4M softball stadium

 

A $5M renovation to Yager Stadium

 

A new student center

 

Renovation of Warfield, Laws, Presser, and Benton Halls

 

Miami will also construct its first parking garage. A second will be hid under the new school of engineering.

 

Most of these projects have pics, renderings, and descriptions on Miami's construction website:

http://www.pfd.muohio.edu/construction/index.jsp

Goggin Ice Arena - 3000 seats

 

 

 

 

 

First ever parking garage - 600 spaces

Apparently, for the upper-class student.  From the 11/4/05 Miami Student (the link in the story has a crude rendering):

 

 

Church Street Flats to house businesses, students

By Allison Cole

 

Construction of the new Church Street Flats apartment building a block from uptown is now underway. The foundation is being laid and construction of the building will begin in the next several weeks.

 

Church Street Flats, 11 W. Church St., is a new building that will contain both apartments and commercial businesses leased through Oxford Real Estate.

 

A total of six apartments will sit above the ground floor where space will be leased to offices and businesses.

 

Construction is expected to be complete in summer 2006 and all contracts start August 2006.

 

Each apartment will house four tenants. All contain four bedrooms and two bathrooms.

 

The apartments come with basic amenities and 24-hour protection with a smoke and fire suppression system and secured entry into the building through a buzzer system. Television monitors will also allow tenants to see who they are letting in through the buzzer system.

 

The apartments will also be wired and networked for high-speed wireless Internet. The bedrooms and living room are unfurnished.

 

Contracts for lease will cover one entire school year, a nine-month period. Several payments are required once a lease is signed.

 

The first payment of $600 is due at the lease signing and an additional $1,200 for rent is also due at this time. Another payment of $13,000 is due Aug. 1, 2006, and a final payment of another $13,000 is due Dec. 1, 2006. This results in a total cost of $27,200 for the apartment.

 

The payments may be split between the tenants any way they choose.

 

There is currently a waiting list to lease an apartment, but Oxford Real Estates said students aren't the only people who can live there.

 

"At the moment we have all six apartments leased to students but would be happy to lease to anyone interested in them," said Jeff Schroer, Oxford Real Estate broker and owner. "Because of the location the appeal seems to go out to students."

 

When deciding on a design for the building, Oxford Real Estate worked with Robert Treadon and Associates Architecture firm.

 

Ideas and designing for the building began in March.

 

The architect for the building is Greig Rutherford. He thinks the building will be a beautiful addition to uptown and believes those who lease will be getting a lot for their money.

 

The commercial space also will be good for prospective businesses.

 

He is pleased with how the final design turned out.

 

"It was a difficult process to come up with a design and a building that would meet the needs of all: tenants, commercial businesses, Oxford Real Estate and myself as an architect," Rutherford said. "But it turned out really well in the end."

 

For additional information on the apartments or leasing, contact Oxford Real Estate at (513) 523-4532 or visit http://www.oxre.com/churchstreetflats.htm for a complete list of amenities and a layout of the apartments.

 

http://miamistudent.collegepublisher.com/media/paper776/news/2005/11/04/Community/Church.Street.Flats.To.House.Businesses.Students-1045357.shtml

 

 

I'm sure if they decide not to rebuild a sub shop for Mexican place would jump all over it.

An update from the 3/31/06 Miami Student:

 

 

MU construction projects continue, some near completion

By: Michelle Scaglione

Issue date: 3/31/06 Section: Campus

 

Several construction projects are in full swing at Miami University.

 

On campus, Miami is thoroughly renovating two buildings, building five new structures and upgrading the university's steam tunnel system.

 

King Library is undergoing major renovations to the ground floor and the third floor. Much of the project includes rearranging different areas of the library to make it more accommodating to students, faculty and library staff.

 

According to Jason Jackson, special projects manager for the library, the library staff is trying to create more "breathing room" for patrons.

 

Jackson said the Walter Havighurst Special Collections section has been expanded and it is 60 to 70 percent complete. They've also moved Technical Services, which is in charge of cataloging among other things, and Digital Initiatives, which is responsible for online collections, from the ground floor to the third floor.

 

Video viewing rooms are also being added. Jackson said they are putting quiet study rooms on the third floor.

 

A café with many group study tables will be added to King Library's ground floor. This café will be accessible from outside doors located near McGuffey Hall, which is also undergoing major renovations.

 

Jackson said they envision the meeting place at the library to no longer be the front lobby, but the café. He hopes this will bring the noise level down on the first floor.

 

"We are on schedule. We were getting behind, but now we're catching up," Jackson said. "Everyone has been wonderful at keeping things on track."

 

According to Jack Williams, the project manager and architect for the new School of Engineering and Applied Science building, the project is running about two weeks behind schedule.

 

However, Williams said, they have not run into any major problems. Williams said the problems were just routine things encountered during construction.

 

The new building, which will also house a three-level parking garage beneath it, is scheduled to be complete in November. However, the western half will be done in July.

 

Williams said the remaining major projects are the mechanical systems, the interior finishes and the brick on the outside.

 

A new varsity softball field is now located just north of Millett Hall. The facility, which has permanent seating for 500 fans, is scheduled to be completed by the middle of June.

 

According to Randy Stephens, the project manager and architect for the field, only a few things remain to be done. These include the playing field with natural turf, the fencing and the scoreboard.

 

Other new buildings being erected include a four-story psychology building that should be completed in August, the new ice arena scheduled for completion in June, along with the southwest parking garage.

 

On Western campus, Miami's steam tunnel system is being upgraded. The steam system is used for Miami's heating, dish washing, heating domestic water and it has other mechanical uses.

 

"The steam system itself is formed like a tree, with a main trunk and branches running off it," said Kami Archibald, mechanical engineer and project manager. "If it breaks, the whole campus loses steam. This is a secondary structure, in case of an emergency."

 

The construction team is working currently on the first half of the tunnel and in early summer will be working on the second half, closer to Bachelor Hall. Due to the construction, some traffic will need to be redirected.

 

Archibald said she did not think any major traffic inconveniences would arise. The steam tunnel is scheduled to be completed by the time classes start in the fall.

 

http://www.miamistudent.net/media/storage/paper776/news/2006/03/31/Campus/Mu.Construction.Projects.Continue.Some.Near.Completion-1775629.shtml?norewrite200603311957&sourcedomain=www.miamistudent.net

 

Ink, you need to get us some updated pics of these projects.  I haven't been up to Oxford in several months and would love to see how far they have come on some of these buildings.

The Goggin and parking garage look practically finished as of fifteen minutues ago.

I was rushing and had my camera in the wrong setting, but you get the idea:

 

Psych Building w/ practically finished exterior

 

SEAS Building on High coming along

 

 

Psych

 

Coming down soon

 

Miami Alumni: What is missing here?

 

Auxillary rink

 

 

Whats this building?

 

 

Hum...

 

Its a parking garage?

 

Street frontage

 

 

McGuffey Hall (1910) nearing completion on a complete restoration

 

Something interesting I found in Alumni, glad this won't materialize

 

 

A pic of a pic of the model of the proposed new Business School

 

 

Ink, Thanks for the pics, I can't believe the progress that they are making on those buildings.  I'm also very impressed with the garage, It took me a minute to figure out what it was.  I'm also happy to see the new SEAS building coming along.  As a Systems Analysis grad, I got to see the beginning stages of the plans for this building and I can't wait to see the new building open.  It will truely be a great day when SEAS gets to move out of Kreger - They can't tear that down fast enough.

 

As for the proposal of the student union....um....interesting.  From the pic it looks like the concept was to be placed between Roudabush and Ogdin?  Your right, it would never be built at Miami.

 

The new business school is just unGodly massive!  I'm trying to get my bearings on the picture, the portch with the collumns is facing Cook Field?  What is the building in the lower right side of the picture?

What happened to the sundial?!?!  Alot of people are going to fail some tests.

 

That is a sweet looking business school.  Where would that go one campus?

The sundial was taken down for repairs, too many people climbing up into it.  I admit, I was one of them.

 

One thing that I forgot to mention in my last post, if any of those buildings is named "Garland Hall" I am just going to puke!

^ Hey, ink, thanks for the pic update!  I was wondering what are your thoughts on the prospect of a new student union.

---

Alcohol task force recommends another alternative to drinking

By: Lindsay Jackson

Issue date: 4/7/06 Section: Campus

 

The creation of a new student union may be one way to decrease alcohol abuse at Miami University, according to one of the recommendations made by the president's alcohol task force in the report it released in March.

 

Shriver Center, named for Philip R. Shriver, Miami's 17th president, houses many catering functions and meeting rooms but does not fit the typical description of a student union. Many who support the initiative to build a new student union believe that by creating a more student-friendly atmosphere, students will be more apt to grab a cup of coffee with friends or attend a band performance on campus.

 

"Shriver Center is not necessarily a good place for students to meet informally," said Richard Nault, vice president of Student Affairs. "The new student union wouldn't replace uptown, but it would be an alternative."

 

Before the alcohol task force submitted its recommendation to create a new student union, a student center planning committee had already been in existence. The committee realized that the current student center was not fulfilling its intended purpose and the task force recommendations have brought more awareness to this point.

 

Although the recommendation reads, "Support the plan for the construction of a new student union and encourage that this project be given high priority," the First in 2009 For Love and Honor Campaign, a capital campaign that hopes to raise $350 million by 2009, has not made building a new student center a priority.

 

"(The creation of a new student union) is not included in the campaign because planning was not far enough along," Nault said. "Donators usually have a cause in mind and do not tend to fund things like the building of a new student center."

 

A new student union, plus the enforcement of other task force recommendations, would collectively have an impact on alcohol abuse, said Jeffrey Potteiger, chair of the president's Task Force on Alcohol Abuse Prevention. An environment conducive to students and their interests may offer some an alternative to a night of drinking and partying.

 

"When you create an educational environment, you give students the opportunity to engage in appropriate extracurricular behavior," Potteiger said.

 

Despite of all the construction taking place on Miami's campus, breaking ground for such a project would not occur for at least a couple of years.

 

Like the Recreational Sports Center, funding for a new student union would be covered partly by student fees. According to Nault, the Shriver Center would be left in tact and the new center would be built elsewhere on campus.

 

"We want a student union that would really and truly serve students and offer an alternative to uptown for those who are not interested in that," Nault said.

 

http://www.miamistudent.net/media/storage/paper776/news/2006/04/07/Campus/Proposal.Calls.For.Student.Union-1801170.shtml?norewrite200604081929&sourcedomain=www.miamistudent.net

 

The prospect of a new student union won't do too much to curb drinking, but a new union would be better used. I'd personally like to see Ogden become the site of a new student union with Laws fulfilling some of the duties the current Shriver Center provides space for after it is vacated once the new business school is completed. Drinking at Miami University really isn't that much more of a problem than other universities, but this alcohol task force is being so active at communicating there is a problem that people are believing it is this huge problem on campus. The new student union won't change that. People still prefer to eat uptown, see movies uptown, play pool uptown, meet at coffee shops uptown, when the Shriver Center provides all of those things. Moving the student union to high street would be a good move though. It would be better used and maybe encourage more people to use it instead of going parties. Shriver Center is too far out of the way for a lot of students.

The Shriver Center is more of a conference center than anything else.  When I was at Miami, I know they were doing a feesability study on the Shriver space.  Their plan was to close Harris dinning hall and locate the catering offices and banquet rooms into the vacated space.  They were going to replace Harris with a "super dinning halll" in the new Fine Arts building which is planned for the field behind the current Fine Arts building.  I don't know if they were planning on keeping the current building, or razing it and extending the Fine Arts Plaza.

 

I agree that a better utialized student union would do little to curb drinking around campus, but it would reduce the caos at King Library and let it be used better as a library and not a centeral gathering space for everyone.  I also agree that Miami needs to take a look at UC, NKU, OU, OSU & WSU to see how they utilize their student unions.  I know those are all much larger than Miami's but there is room to expand toward Patterson, & Oak streets and the Fine Arts Plaza.

 

Whatever they do, however, I don't think it will be done until several years after all the current building projects are completed.

From the 4/11/06 Miami Student:

 

 

BSAC unveils Farmer Hall plans

By: Lisa Chapman

Issue date: 4/11/06 Section: Campus

 

The Business School Advisory Council (BSAC) is sticking to its slogan, "strictly business," this spring as it helps with the planning of the business school's newest addition: Farmer Hall.

 

Increasing awareness about the new building to both business majors and the student body as a whole is just one of the group's missions, according to BSAC President Meghan Hakes.

 

BSAC, which works directly with Roger Jenkins, dean and professor of the School of Business, helps the administration in making decisions for not only Farmer Hall but also the program in general.

 

"We serve as a bouncing board or platform for the dean to get feedback from," Hakes said. "There are so many members in the group that he can get diverse opinions about specific issues."

 

Because so many business organizations exist, BSAC also hopes to bring them together to create a more unified group to better facilitate helping with the plans, Hakes explained.

 

The group, which has been around for the past few decades, started gaining more attention the last two years, especially since Richard T. Farmer's $30 million donation, Hakes said.

 

"The donation was a big turning point in the last few years," said Ryan Brittain, BSAC vice president. "It's a great opportunity and we finally realized that we can make an impact on our education and be an influential organization."

 

Farmer Hall, which plans to open in the fall of 2008, offers state of the art facilities, a café and computer labs to accommodate both students and faculty.

 

"Everything is going to be really nice," Hakes said. "It's a way to have the business school have more of a community atmosphere."

 

Getting students involved in the business school is another overall goal for the organization. According to Hakes, the dean would like to see more student participation and relies on BSAC to make it possible.

 

"Hopefully we can help kids out and discover those opportunities that aren't really heard about," Brittain said. "Here only 20 percent of students are active in organizations, we have to get the other 80 percent involved too."

 

Last fall, GPA requirements were changed to get into the school from a 2.6 to a 3.0 making admission more difficult. As a way to help students, Brittain would like to see Miami Plan and business class requirements integrated in order to fulfill hours.

 

BSAC will have tables set up outside of 100 Laws Hall Tuesday and Wednesday about information regarding other events, study abroad information and sketches and models of Farmer Hall. A cookout April 20 on the Laws Hall lawn will also be sponsored by the student organization.

 

http://www.miamistudent.net/media/storage/paper776/news/2006/04/11/Campus/Bsac-Unveils.Farmer.Hall.Plans-1843022.shtml?norewrite200604112222&sourcedomain=www.miamistudent.net

 

It is nice that Miami has been on this building boom, but it is a little unfortunate about the lack of priority on the shriver center. I'd personally like them to gut Ogden and put the new student union there. It already has bell tower in the lower levels, and is easily accessible for students during the day. It would would probably be more of considered as a place to go on the weekends if it was High Street as well. With the business school moving, they could also make Laws Hall the conference and catering facility with a movie theater in 100 Laws, a visitor desk, the 1809 room, and things of that nature. I think it would be very appropriate to have the multipurpose rooms, student union, and administration buildings essentially on one quad on a prime location on High Street.

From the 4/14/06 Miami Student:

 

 

Presser Hall to close for renovation

By: Toby Hopp, Staff Writer

Issue date: 4/14/06 Section: Campus

 

Students and organizations that currently use Presser Hall will find themselves forced to move elsewhere when they return to campus next semester as the result of a renovation project that will shut down the building for approximately a year and a half.

 

The building will reopen in January 2008, according to the current schedule of events.

 

The project, which is currently slated to cost somewhere in the neighborhood of $8 million, is expected to provide a much needed upgrade to the somewhat archaic building, which is located on the southeastern edge of campus and primarily used by the music and theater departments at Miami University.

 

"All of our buildings are evaluated in terms of maintenance and service needs and possible renovations," said Randy Stephens, project manager for Miami. "It became clear that it was Presser's time for it to happen."

 

Stephens said the upgraded Presser Hall will offer students, faculty and staff a number of new features, including more rehearsal space for musicians, upgraded facilities, an addition of offices intended for use by department faculty, and a small addition to the building.

 

"The music department needed more interior space. This renovation will make room for a new music department, more rehearsal space, and room for additional faculty offices," Stephens said. "There will also be larger area for ensemble, chorale, and symphony."

 

Steve Puana, associate chair and technical director for the theater department, said theater classes will relocate to Hiestand Hall, which is located just south of the Shriver Center, while the renovations are taking place.

 

"The theater classes that are in Presser now will be moved into Hiestand Hall and are supposed to be ready for fall 2006 semester," Puana said. "Things like mirrors and a movement floor will be added to Hiestand class rooms to accommodate theater classes."

 

Presser Hall was built on the campus of the old Western College in 1931 with the help of significant funding from the Theodore Presser Foundation, an organization with a mission to provide funding for musical education facilities on college campuses across the country. Throughout its history, the building has been used as music hall and auditorium for numerous events sponsored by the university.

 

http://www.miamistudent.net/media/storage/paper776/news/2006/04/14/Campus/Presser.Hall.To.Close.For.Renovation-1851795.shtml?norewrite200604141957&sourcedomain=www.miamistudent.net

 

From the 4/21/06 Miami Student:

 

 

New Goggin Ice Center set to open this summer

By: JD Malone, Senior Staff Writer

Issue date: 4/21/06 Section: Front Page

 

Standing at what will be center ice in the new Goggin Ice Center, one gets the impression that RedHawk hockey has arrived.

 

The arched ceiling of the competition rink soars 75 feet overhead. Buried in the eight inches of concrete that make up the base of the ice slab are some 17 miles of plastic tubing that will be filled with 5,000 gallons of refrigerant.

 

Three thousand seats ring the future playing surface. Windows in the north and south walls pour natural light into the interior. Offices - complete with balconies that overlook the ice - line the upper level to the west. Club seating, a lounge, two private suites and the press box finish off the upper level to the east. The corners are composed of four unique luxury boxes, including a lavish spread in the southwest corner for Miami's administrators.

 

In total, some 4,000 fans can be accommodated in the new competition rink.

 

"People are going to be in awe," said Miami Head Coach Enrico Blasi. "When Miami does something, they do it first class. This is first class."

 

The new facility, a $50 million, 175,000 square foot project shaped from the former tennis courts just north of the Recreational Sports Center, is the biggest, most complex structure in Miami's history.

 

John Seibert, Miami's project manager, said the facility is on schedule to open in June, with the competition rink to be ready by July.

 

"I'm worried about everything," Seibert said as he surveyed the expanse of the building along Oak Street. "From the roof to the ice plant, I worry about everything. But it's really coming along."

 

Blasi doesn't worry, he smiles while speaking about his new home. His current office, tucked into the second floor of the old Goggin, is dominated by a rendering of the new arena.

 

But despite the sparkle of a new arena, Blasi will miss the old one. Goggin will meet a bulldozer to make room for the new academic quad rising around it.

 

"Obviously I'll have a lot of memories and a lot of good times that took place in this building both for me as a player and as a coach," Blasi said. "Memories will never be forgotten. But it will tough knowing that you can never walk in the building again."

 

The RedHawk hockey alumni have waited for a new facility for years. On July 13 they will be treated to the first skate on the competition rink. Blasi will lace up with former players, possibly a few NHL regulars and current coaches to test the ice.

 

Regular season play begins next fall as the season kicks off with the Ice Breaker Tournament. Miami will host Vermont, Colgate and the University of Denver.

 

Miami's Hockey Camp will be the first to use the new facility. This June the camp will skate on what is referred to as "Pad B," a second NHL-sized sheet of ice. The building is split by a concourse running from the grand staircase at the western entrance - facing the new parking structure - to the courtyard off of Oak Street. To the south of that central spine is the competition rink. To the north is Pad B. Pad B sounds like an after thought, but it will be the heart of what truly is a building for the greater Oxford area.

 

"It is a community building," Blasi said. "It has multiple purposes and we happen to be a part of it."

 

A small part of the building, according to the schedule at the current Goggin, will be open nearly 20 hours a day. Ice time for varsity sports absorbs less than 20 percent of the total. The balance is a mix of Miami intramural hockey and broomball, Butler County youth hockey, classes and free skates, among others.

 

So much goes on at the Goggin that a moveable dasher board system has been installed to split Pad B in half. Imagine a board, complete with glass, being lowered from the ceiling, or raised depending on the situation. It is the second known moveable dasher board system in the world.

 

"It used to be the knock on Miami was the facility," Blasi said. "That isn't true anymore. We've been recruiting to this facility for the last three or four years."

 

No facility makes a hockey team. But success, commitment, solid coaching and a desire to win can make new digs all that much sweeter.

 

"Miami has been making strides the last five years," said sophomore forward Ryan Jones. "This past season (and the new facility) is just another step in being one of the best programs in the nation."

 

Ultimately though, Jones doesn't think the new facilities mean bigger things for Miami hockey. That will be up to the guys lacing skates and wearing Red and White no matter where they are playing and representing Miami.

 

"We want players who don't give up," Jones said. "We want players who sacrifice everything for the name on the front of the jersey."

 

http://www.miamistudent.net/media/storage/paper776/news/2006/04/21/FrontPage/New-Goggin.Ice.Center.Set.To.Open.This.Summer-1864596.shtml?norewrite200604211950&sourcedomain=www.miamistudent.net

 

From the 4/28/06 Miami Student:

 

 

On-campus construction projects continue at full force

Architects, Miami grads keep initiatives on budget, on time

By: JD Malone, Senior Staff Writer

Issue date: 4/28/06 Section: Campus

 

John Seibert doesn't have time for problems. He is too busy working on solutions.

 

Tucked into a cluster of offices for Miami University's Planning and Construction team in the Cole Services Building on the eastern end of Cook Field, Seibert searches for solutions. He also finds a lot of work.

 

"I've had seven days off since Christmas," said Seibert, a project architect. "It is a real exciting time and there is an awful lot of work to be done."

 

Students and faculty often are unaware of Seibert's work, but they certainly are familiar with the buildings rising around them on campus.

 

Seibert runs the construction of the new Goggin Ice Center and the parking structure next to it. Six other project architects work out of Cole and between them the team oversees the new psychology building (Tom Pruckno), the new business school and the updates at King Library (Barry Jones), the new School of Applied Sciences (Jack Williams), the new softball stadium and the improvements to Yager Stadium (Randy Stephens), the rehab of McGuffy Hall (Mel Shidler) and satellite campus projects such as the new student union at the Hamilton campus (Howard Bradley).

 

"There is a lot going on here," said Jim Haley, associate vice president of Physical Facilities. "One of the questions I get asked often is, 'why are we adding square footage to the campus if we are not adding students?' The answer is: Each time we renovate a building we have to bring it up to code."

 

Those code updates can rob a small, older building of 15 to 25 percent of its space according to Haley. That space needs to be replaced as faculty and administration positions are added, and to constantly improve the quality of spaces where students learn, study and mingle on campus.

 

The people at Cole oversee some 6.5 million square feet of space, more than 200 buildings and 2,600 acres of property. That may sound daunting, but the employees appear calm, the offices are neat - even as massive projects like Goggin are closing in on tape cutting ceremonies.

 

To date Goggin is a $34.8 million project and in the four years Seibert has overseen the project, that figure hasn't changed.

 

Along the way Seibert needed to come up with several solutions. Snow threatened the pouring of foundations. The remnant, unpredictable storms of Katrina damaged sections of the roof - about one-third of it needed to be replaced. The aftermath of the destruction in the Gulf affected the supply of materials. Some 50 change orders - that is just counting the general contractor, not subcontractors - bulge from a stack of manila folders.

 

All of this with zero dollars allocated toward contingency, or unforeseen situations. Seibert said a 5 percent contingency is typical for large projects.

 

"When we bid this thing we estimated the project value at $28 million," Seibert said. "The (bidding) climate was volatile (at the time) and we weren't sure what kind of pricing we were going to get. The pricing, for example, of the steel was valued at $3 million. It came back at $5 million."

 

Instead of redesigning the arena to meet the original estimate - eliminating features or space - the planning and construction team decided to make the award as is and collaborate with contractors to save money.

 

"We went through the building with the contractors. … And we worked to value engineer the facility without compromising the quality," Seibert said.

 

The quality can be seen in small details that Miami's project architects pay attention to. For instance, the Goggin's locker room took a great deal of time and attention to detail. A mock-up was made and thoroughly tested by sophomore forward Ryan Jones. Jones gave his input about the seats and the various storage spaces.

 

Care was taken so the curved steel roof wouldn't make the Goggin - chock full of hard surfaces - an echo chamber. Multiple layers comprise the roof, including intricately designed sound insulation that keeps the Goggin "loud" while also isolating the arena.

 

Seibert traveled to Milwaukee for a week to learn about ice plants. The ice plant is the refrigeration system that keeps the Goggin's two NHL-sized ice sheets - with 10,000 gallons of refrigerant running through their combined 34 miles of plastic veins - as frozen as Green Bay in the depths of January.

 

"I could tell you about every nut, bolt and screw in that system," Seibert said, pointing to a thick, gray, three ring binder containing the description and details of the ice plant.

 

Not every change order at Goggin required a solution. One of the largest was the addition of two suites to the arena. The gift of a generous, former student-athlete covered the cost.

 

Meanwhile Seibert managed the construction of the parking structure. The structure was completed three months early and $1.2 million under the projected cost.

 

Seibert isn't alone. Bob Keller, Miami's head architect, and other members if the staff, such as in-house interior designer Mike Smith, proved priceless during various phases of the Goggin project.

 

Head coach Enrico Blasi helped with words of encouragement, access to players and thoughts on the design of the locker room (modeled in part after the Toronto Maple Leaf's).

 

The forethought put into projects by the members of the Planning and Construction team gives the Oxford campus its beauty and rewarding surroundings. Maybe they pay attention to details because many of them are Miami grads.

 

Jones, Keller, Stephens, Seibert and Smith all called Miami home as students. They grasp the aesthetics of Oxford and the need for students and the community to enjoy Miami's facilities.

 

Haley described the office's purpose as being the people who make sure that the lights go on when you flick a switch.

 

"We try to keep a transparent profile. …We would like in general for things to be taken for granted that they are going to work," Haley said. "The unique part of what we do though is some amount of in your face activity - like some of the construction projects where it is hard to be transparent."

 

http://www.miamistudent.net/media/storage/paper776/news/2006/04/28/Campus/OnCampus.Construction.Projects.Continue.At.Full.Force-1881720.shtml?norewrite200604281829&sourcedomain=www.miamistudent.net

 

I guess they accepted the plan for the business school as the model is now on the PFD website. Take a look for the back side, this is going to be massive:

 

http://www.pfd.muohio.edu/construction/business_school/index.jsp

Damn, that building is huge!  Any word on the plans for the vacated space at Laws and Upham?  And for that matter, Gaskill and Kreger?  With all these schools moving farther north (gee this kind of sounds like sprawl :wink:)

there wont be much left on academic quad.

The finished garage

 

Goggin Ice Arena

 

 

 

Ried Hall is being gutted for demolishion... :(

 

The SEAS Building

 

 

 

 

Rear of SEAS

 

 

Progress on Church Street Lofts:

 

Thanks for the pics.  Looks like the B-school Building is going to be huge although I do like the fact that it is being done in "wings".  Gives the impression of an old building that was added on to over time.  I hope it does not overwhelm East Quad.

 

Couple of questions which you may or may not be able to answer.  A few years ago I think I read something about a possible reconstruction of slant walk (done in red brick).  Is that still in the works or am I just completely wrong about this?

 

Also, I have always been curious about the lighting now used on campus.  Sometime in the mid 80's they started replacing the Victorian style light posts with the "modern" posts you see in the pictures.  I am sure they are more engery efficent, but sure do look out of place on campus.  I have been on enough campus with more attractive period lighting and have always wonder why Miami of all places would change to such and ugly design which really is not compatible with the architecture.  It is especially strange since the letterhead for the univeristy trumphets a traditional latern style light.

To update the SEAS building...

 

The east wing, to be completed by Christmas

 

The west wing, was to be open at the beginning of this semester, but has fallen behind

 

The connector between the west wing and Benton makes a good transition from new to old, you really don't notice the change.

 

And, just because, Elliot, the oldest residence hall in Ohio, built 1825

^Nice, thx for the update!

Completed Church Street Lofts:

Different writers.  Let's see how they do!

 

---

Both from the 9/8/06 Miami Student:

 

 

PHOTO: The new Goggin Ice Center, home to Miami's nationally-ranked ice skating and ice hockey teams, is also open to Oxford residents for recreational use.  Media Credit: Lauren Flemming

 

Almost complete: New Goggin exceeds expectations

Lindsay Jackson

Issue date: 9/8/06 Section: Campus

 

The new Goggin Ice Center is up, running and ready for another semester of popular activities such as varsity hockey, synchronized skating and broomball.

 

"I've been seeing a lot of the 'wow' factor from students," said Barry Schutte, the director of the Goggin Ice Arena. "Everyone seems extremely impressed by the facility. I think everyone has been overwhelmed, as it ranks as one of the top ice arenas that's out there. The consensus is that is was a huge investment in the campus life of students, faculty and staff."

 

The $35 million project was completed this summer. In addition to two ice arenas, Goggin also contains a lounge, offices, locker rooms, a skate rental section, a pro shop, and multipurpose rooms.

 

"The budget was right on target. Feedback from the community and ice experts said, 'How did you build it for only $35 million? It looks like it cost $50 million!'" Schutte said.

 

William "Nate" Oris, a junior who has worked in both the old and the new facility, said, "It was sad seeing the old one go, but I think it'll be a good investment."

 

Hours of operation began this summer so that a two-week hockey camp for children ages 8 to 17 and a four-week skating school could be offered.

 

Varsity hockey and skating have already begun tryouts and practices, and the regular winter programs will start to pick up this month, beginning with broomball signups, which started Aug. 31.

 

From a construction standpoint, there are still some ongoing "behind the scenes" projects like painting, electrical work, furniture, murals and TV and speaker setup. Workers anticipate that these last minute details will be complete by the end of September.

 

Thirty years ago when Steve Cady, assistant athletic director and assistant vice president for business and finance of Goggin, began the program, Goggin had 10 to 15 intramural teams, a club hockey team, and a few physical education courses. He never expected the program to grow as much as it did nor did he fathom the amount of usage the facility would get, Schutte said.

 

With the increased traffic from the student body, the varsity hockey team ranking No. 1 in the nation, the skating team ranking as one of the top globally, and the intramural program becoming one of the largest in the country, the need for a bigger facility became obvious. Originally there was talk of expanding the old facility, but in the end, it the decision was made.

 

"If we're going to do it, we're going to do it right," Schutte said.

 

Lindsay Hawley, a customer service assistant for the ice arena, said, "It's big. I came in here with no knowledge of skating or anything and at first. It's overwhelming."

 

"This semester, we hope to get some feedback from the community," Schutte said. "I hope everyone comes out and gets a positive experience."

 

http://media.www.miamistudent.net/media/storage/paper776/news/2006/09/08/Campus/Almost.Complete.New.Goggin.Exceeds.Expectations-2262312.shtml?sourcedomain=www.miamistudent.net&MIIHost=media.collegepublisher.com

---

PHOTO: The cafe in King Library, which is set to open Oct. 1 on the ground level of the library, will serve Starbucks brand coffee and beverages.  Media Credit: Alex Turvy

 

Library cafe nears completion

More study space available after months of construction

Kellyn Moran, Senior Staff Writer

Issue date: 9/8/06 Section: Campus

 

Students working late at King Library will soon be able to get their caffeine fix without heading up the Slant Walk to Starbucks.

 

The cafe in King Library is set to open at the beginning of October - some paperwork, inspections and training have to be completed before it can open for student use.

 

"We are looking right now at Oct.1, but it depends on health department permits," said Nancy Heidtman, director of dining and culinary support services.

 

According to Mike Mitroi, assistant director of student dining for projects, a few more pieces need to fit together as well.

 

"It also depends on construction and staff training, which need to be done before opening," Mitroi said.

 

The renovated ground level of King Library will include a cafe and a student lounge area. There will be upward of 125 seats and multiple electrical outlets for students, according to Jason Jackson, acting special projects officer for King.

 

The cafe will serve deli food, similar to what can be found at Uncle Phil's Deli, and the coffee and some of the other beverages served will be Starbucks brand. However, the cafe itself is not a Starbucks.

 

Richard Pettit, associate dean and special assistant to the provost, feels the cafe will be a success with students.

 

"I am excited to have the whole building done," Pettit said. "It is nice to have a modern infrastructure."

 

The cafe is only part of the renovation. Other construction included fixing leaks in the roof, moving offices and creating more student study areas.

 

On the ground level, more room was also made for compact shelving that will hold government information and legal documents. The Instructional Materials Center (IMC), which is currently in Brill Science Library, will also be housed on the ground level.

 

The IMC is expected to move to King before spring semester, according to Jackson.

 

This construction project is the last phase of a renovation project started a decade ago which has included not only a restructuring of the ground level, but of the third floor as well.

 

The university decided to combine the two projects, making the process somewhat difficult and complicated.

 

"It's been a challenge," Jackson said, mentioning that many staff members had to move to McGuffey and Reid Halls during the project.

 

However, the staff members are returning to their newly renovated offices on the third floor - and there is a positive response to the changes.

 

One staff member described the area as bright, open, and professional.

 

John Millard, a staff member in the digital initiatives department, has noticed a big change in the office space since he moved from the ground level to the third floor.

 

"It makes things more functional and not so spread out," Millard said.

 

The university also bought new equipment for some departments, such as the technical services department, which got a fume hood and sink as part of the renovation.

 

The third floor also has rooms reserved for the purposes of faculty and graduate student group study, as well as a more student lounge area and a quiet study room.

 

Construction is set to finish around early October and the third and first floor should be open to students around that time.

 

http://media.www.miamistudent.net/media/storage/paper776/news/2006/09/08/Campus/Library.Cafe.Nears.Completion-2262274.shtml?sourcedomain=www.miamistudent.net&MIIHost=media.collegepublisher.com

 

From the 9/12/06 Miami Student:

 

 

Performing Arts construction encounters mixed reviews

Michelle Burwell

Issue date: 9/12/06 Section: Campus

 

The more than 70-year-old Presser Hall, the home of Miami University's School of Fine Arts, is set to go through some major renovations in the near future. The building, which was originally constructed in 1931, cost $151,000 to build and the renovations are expected to cost around $6,500,000.

 

"We're extremely excited about (the project)," said Randy Stephens, Presser Hall project architect and construction manager. "We will not take away from the way the building looks from Patterson Avenue."

 

Along with Presser Hall, the Center for Performing Arts building will also go under construction, and the university anticipates the project will be completed by second semester of the 2007-08 school year.

 

Construction is set to begin in late October or early November, depending when a bid for the project is received. The main goal of the project is to give the department of music more rehearsal space.

 

Miami University's department of music is currently located in both Presser Hall and the Center for Performing Arts. The plan is for the department to be relocated to just Presser.

 

At the same time, the department of theater will leave Presser Hall, expanding into Hiestand Hall and the Center for Performing Arts.

 

Along with departmental moves, Presser Hall will also be undergoing extensive facility upgrades. Mechanical, electrical and life safety systems will all be updated, and Americans with Disabilities Act standards will also be brought up-to-date to make the building more accessible. The south end of the hall will be extended between 6,000 and 7,000 square feet and Kelley Auditorium will be ripped out to make room for more classrooms.

 

Not all students feel that the additional classrooms will benefit Miami's campus. Kelley Auditorium is a historical auditorium, which was home to Stage Left, Miami's student-run theater organization. The construction has left Stage Left without storage, practice or performance space.

 

"This organization means so much to so many people and it seems a real tragedy that this fact has been deemed unimportant," said Jessica Barrett, a sophomore and secretary for Stage Left. "Although we are heartbroken, we are pushing on and becoming a bigger and better organization than ever before."

 

Though many students within Stage Left have expressed their concerns about where and when the organization will be relocated on campus, plans of removing Kelly Auditorium have not changed.

 

The renovation of Presser Hall is one of the earliest phases of a plan that was introduced in the spring of 2002 and will include some fifty or more different projects all over campus.

 

The construction of new facilities and revamping of others will span more than two decades and is estimated to cost up to and around $500 million.

 

http://media.www.miamistudent.net/media/storage/paper776/news/2006/09/12/Campus/Performing.Arts.Construction.Encounters.Mixed.Reviews-2266626.shtml?sourcedomain=www.miamistudent.net&MIIHost=media.collegepublisher.com

 

1) New Goggin Ice Arena - finished, occupied

2) Campus Avenue Garage - finished, occupied

3) New Psychology Building - finished, occupied

Final Images:

 

 

 

 

 

4) New Seas Building - West section near completion, Benton and East section still in progress

Images:

 

Rear:

 

 

5) New School of Business - utility work underway

Both from the 9/15/06 Miami Student:

 

 

Committee works on plans for improved student union

Lisa Chapman

Issue date: 9/15/06 Section: Front Page

 

The current Shriver Center may become a thing of the past, if plans for a new student union continue to go as expected.

 

With tentative plans for a new center to go between Oak Street and the Campus Avenue Building (CAB), Richard Nault, vice president of student affairs, hopes to see the addition as a way to better facilitate students' needs.

 

"What would be nice is if the student center was built there, then you would have the CAB building, a new student union, Warfield Hall and the Center for American World Cultures all on the same street," Nault said. "So Spring Street would really become a student street, a place for all student services."

 

Plans for the union have been in the works for a while - former President Garland officially proposed the idea in his alcohol task force recommendations last year as a way to change students' abuse of alcohol.

 

"I would like if at 11 (p.m.) at night, you're with your friends and (the student union is) a place you might want to stop by and spend some time there, listen to a band or listen to a folk singer. We want it to be a place that's a destination place," Nault said.

 

In hopes of providing the ideal place for all students, Nault and other student center committee members toured both University of Cincinnati and Bowling Green University. They will see Eastern Michigan, Ohio University and hopefully Penn State later this school year.

 

Nault, who liked how Bowling Green's union lacked administrative offices, would like to add more space for student organizations and dynamic eating areas that can also be performance areas.

 

"We want when people walk in the building to say, 'Wow,' like when people walk in the (Recreational Sports) Center," Nault said. "We really want it to be a dynamic building, we don't want it to be average; we want to have one of the best student centers in the country."

 

Associated Student Government President Brian Alexander, member of the new student union committee, agrees with Nault and sees the need for more student space.

 

"We need a place where students can hang out and a place where student organizations have a place to meet," Alexander said. "A building dedicated to students."

 

Shriver Center will probably be changed into a welcome center for incoming students or administrative offices, according to Nault.

 

Aside from dedicating addition room for students, Alexander also hopes to see the union as a new and different novelty for the university.

 

"We really want the building not to be the usual four-story, red brick building," Alexander said. "We want it to fit into Miami but it to be innovative, creative and as multi-purpose as possible."

 

If plans for a new student union do more forward, funding will come from a combination of gifts, university money and a resolution passed by ASG.

 

http://www.miamistudent.net/media/storage/paper776/news/2006/09/15/FrontPage/Committee.Works.On.Plans.For.Improved.Student.Union-2278876.shtml?norewrite200609161526&sourcedomain=www.miamistudent.net

---

New technology part of residence hall face-lift

Lauren Miller

Issue date: 9/15/06 Section: Campus

 

Home theaters, massaging showerheads and air hockey tables are just a few of the new enhancements that residence halls across Miami University are seeing. And according to Department of Housing, Dining, and Guest services, these are but a taste of what's to come.

 

These initiatives began last spring.

 

"The idea for the initiatives was to do a little bit of a lot of things in a lot of places, in order to gauge student reaction to see what we should do on an even bigger scale next summer," said Bill Moloney, senior director for dining and auxiliary enterprises.

 

Since last year, the residence halls have added three new technological innovations: an upgraded server for online housing contracts, enhanced electrical systems in six residence halls and an "Esuds" program.

 

Esuds (expected to be implemented within the next 30-60 days) allows students living in residence halls to check for open laundry machines and/or the time remaining on them from their computers in their rooms.

 

Heritage Commons apartments are also included in the program.

 

"We're capitalizing on putting nicer, more modern, more updated things in our residence halls," said Larry Fink, assistant vice president for auxiliary enterprises and houses.

 

On-floor study lounges, which include new tables, accent walls, brighter furniture, glass doors and a more open studying space, were added to the second and third floors of Anderson, Dennison, Stanton, and Porter Halls.

 

"It's nice not having to go downstairs to study," said sophomore Justin Donohue, a resident of Porter Hall. "The new study lounges remind me of a living room and they're really quiet, good areas to read."

 

Along with the lounges, "superquads," made up of two bedrooms connected by a common area, were added to both Scott and Porter Hall.

 

Porter Hall residents have also been equipped with ergonomic desk chairs, as well as a home theater in the recreational room.

 

The home theater, which was also implemented in Dennison Hall, includes an 8-by-4 foot screen, theater seating, mood lighting, surround sound and hookups for cable, DVDs, iPods and videogames.

 

Fink used two words to describe these theaters: "They rock," he said.

 

The new bathrooms in Anderson and Collins Halls underwent complete makeovers: Old sinks and vanities were replaced with new Coreon, showerheads were replaced with massaging heads, and solid shower wall partitions were installed.

 

The department is testing the new ideas out and will implement more of the concepts students like.

 

"Our staff wants to know how we're doing and we're constantly looking for ways to improve," Fink said.

 

Student feedback is imperative.

 

Forty lofted beds were offered to students living in Wells Hall and mid-height loft beds were put into every dorm room in Mary Lion Hall. Fink said that these in particular were very popular.

 

Also added were 16 foosball tables, 16 pool tables and four new air hockey tables.

 

However, according to Fink, there is one initiative that overrides all: Two-ply toilet paper.

 

"The students weren't afraid to speak up about (the toilet paper), so we listened," Fink said.

 

The toilet paper will be implemented in residence halls within the next four weeks.

 

In the past, the Department of Housing, Dining, and Guest Services has received positive feedback from students, with consistent yearly rankings averaging 96 to 97 percent.

 

Students can expect to see indoor putting greens in selected residence halls, more recreational room upgrades and modified versions of the home theater appearing shortly.

 

"We're trying to enhance the convenience, safety, and utilities of residence hall living," Fink said. "We've done a lot of work to come up with these initiatives or enhancements to make residence hall living even better than it already is."

 

http://www.miamistudent.net/media/storage/paper776/news/2006/09/15/Campus/New-Technology.Part.Of.Residence.Hall.FaceLift-2278828.shtml?norewrite200609161528&sourcedomain=www.miamistudent.net

 

From the 9/22/06 Miami Student:

 

 

Wendy's owners sue Oxford over uptown store

Ashley Doyle, Senior Staff Writer

Issue date: 9/22/06 Section: Community

 

The question of what will happen to the vacant Oxford uptown Wendy's property has turned into a legal battle between Wendy's owner Chris Rodbro and the city of Oxford, with a lawsuit filed Aug. 29 by the Butler County Clerk of Courts.

 

The city of Oxford informed Rodbro that he had until Sept. 10, 2006, to either fix the Wendy's building or decide what he wanted to be done with it. As that deadline passed nearly two weeks ago, Oxford wants to step in and level the building because it says the current structure is not within the rules and regulations of building codes.

 

Oxford City Manager Jane Howington, who is named as the defendant in the suit, did not return repeated requests for comment on this story.

 

Rodbro filed the lawsuit against the city of Oxford has been filed as an attempt to preserve the former Wendy's until all legal issues have been worked out in regards to the August 2005 fire.

 

"Right now it's not in limbo," said Hamilton County Attorney Mike Gmoser. "The status quo is being maintained until this issue is worked through the court system."

 

Bernard Rumpke of Rumpke Recycling is also joining forces with Rodbro against the city of Oxford city management and their conduct in regards to treatment of business owners in the community.

 

A hearing will be held in October that will determine whether or not the city of Oxford will be granted permission to take down the old Wendy's.

 

"I don't like this situation, you just sometimes have to take a stand and that's what we did," Rodbro said. "No one wants to be involved in this kind of thing. I'd just rather be able to do what we need to do, and go on with it. But we're excited about the new Wendy's."

 

The new Wendy's, which will be located on College Corner Pike, is expected to open its doors Nov. 15, and Rodbro is expecting a large increase in business due to the new location which allows for a drive thru.

 

Seventy two percent of Wendy's national sales come from people going through drive thrus, leaving the former Wendy's 30 percent below average sales.

 

"Drive thrus make all the difference in the world, so we think we'll do really well," Rodbro said. "It will be a nice store."

 

http://www.miamistudent.net/media/storage/paper776/news/2006/09/22/Community/Wendys.Owners.Sue.Oxford.Over.Uptown.Store-2302519.shtml?norewrite200609240128&sourcedomain=www.miamistudent.net

 

Well, this is off topic so feel free to whack it if necessary but....

Just FYI I was employee of the month at the Oxford Wendy's in January of 1985 (probably still the highlight of my working life :-D).  Served Ron Harper a triple cheese with everything on the house the day he broke the MAC scoring record, probably an NCAA violation these days.  I didn't even know it burned.....

Goodbye Goggin!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wow, with Goggin gone, it really opens up the view to Pearson and the New Psycology building.  I used to live in Swing and one of my windows looked out that way.  Kind of sad to see it in a pile of rubble though.  My graduation was in that building and it was kind of interesting being on the floor.  All the ice was gone, but the concrete was painted with the hockey markings.

I lived next door to Tom Brown in Clawson our sophomore year.  He was (and I am sure still is) a great guy and pretty modest despite all he had going for him.  He has done very well and I am not at all surprised how generous he has been to Miami.

From the 10/6/06 Miami Student:

 

 

PHOTO: Miami University's engineering building, located on High Street, is just one of the many new buildings appearing on campus.

 

Campus construction contributes to recruitment strategy

Kellyn Moran, Senior Staff Writer

Issue date: 10/6/06 Section: Campus

 

In the increasingly competitive market that has universities vying to attract students, many colleges have made the building and renovation of new facilities part of their recruitment strategy.

 

While the phenomenon draws attention to Miami University's very visible construction efforts, which have cost more than $100 million, the Office of Admission says the recent additions to the Oxford campus are not the focus of recruitment campaigns.

 

The Office of Admission feels that these new facilities alone will not attract students and they have not drastically changed recruiting techniques. Jen Collignon, associate director for admission operation and communication, said some of the admission material being sent to prospective students highlights the changes.

 

"There is a postcard sequence we send out and one (of the postcards) includes pictures of new buildings," Collignon said.

 

The postcard, as well as some of the other mailings, emphasizes the idea of growth on Miami's campus.

 

"We tour all new facilities and talk about (the new construction) during information sessions," Collignon said. "We're growing and building new facilities to meet (students') needs."

 

However first-year Stephanie Petropoulos said her admissions tour did not center on the new facilities, even though she did tour some new buildings.

 

"I don't think there was a lot of emphasis placed on new facilities as a reason to come to Miami," Petropoulos said.

 

Petropoulos said she felt the new facilities were not a particularly important variable she took into account when looking at colleges.

 

"For me, the facilities were not the determining factor," Petropoulos said. "But I won't go to a school that is not renovated and up-to-date, because I have to live there."

 

Bob Keller, university architect, said that the primary purpose of the various construction projects, including the new Goggin Ice Arena and the Psychology Building, is to accommodate changing needs of students.

 

"Basically, we're planning for long-term needs (such as) academics, student activities, faculty needs, and intercollegiate athletic needs, among others," Keller said.

 

The university plans on spending almost $70 million more in construction over the next decade. A new building for the Richard T. Farmer School of Business has projected costs of $52 million and the Presser Hall renovation project is approximately $9 million, Keller explained. Construction on both buildings is set to start in 2007.

 

http://www.miamistudent.net/media/storage/paper776/news/2006/10/06/Campus/Campus.Construction.Contributes.To.Recruitment.Strategy-2337121.shtml?norewrite200610110102&sourcedomain=www.miamistudent.net

 

The Richard T. Farmer School of Business breaks ground for new building

10/31/2006

 

The future of business education at Miami will take physical form as ceremonial shovels turn the earth on the site of the new Richard T. Farmer Hall Thursday, Nov. 2.

 

The groundbreaking ceremony begins at 4 p.m., directly north of Dorsey Hall in the east quad.

 

Farmer Hall will house the six academic departments, three centers and numerous programs that make up the Richard T. Farmer School of Business. For the first time in decades, the entire school will be located within the same building.

 

The building is noteworthy for its architecture, its interior spatial configuration and its materials. In keeping with the Miami tradition, the New York firm of Robert A.M. Stern Architects LLP has designed a structure that is classic Georgian Revival. The organization of Farmer Hall's interior space is geared to foster productivity and congenial relationships among students, faculty and staff. The eco-friendly design and use of environmentally responsible materials positions Farmer Hall to become the first Miami building to achieve Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification.

 

"This building truly will be state-of-the-art," said Roger L. Jenkins, dean of the Farmer School. "In addition to reflecting the realities of the way business organizations operate today, it promotes responsible environmental stewardship and encourages greater interaction among everyone in the school."

 

With its trading room, cluster rooms and breakout rooms, the 210,000-square-foot building will enable students to participate in a broad array of academic and experiential learning activities. Electronic communication resources and Net meeting rooms will bring the world to the school of business, said Jenkins, adding, "The Farmer School will be one of very few business schools that provides this level of sophisticated facilities for its undergraduates."

 

Other features that distinguish the new facility include:

 

• A 500-seat auditorium that provides urgently needed midsize space for lectures and other programs;

 

• A reading room that combines library resources with Web access and other electronic support;

 

• A student organizations suite to support the school's more than 20 co-curricular groups;

 

• A café with casual dining as well as take-away service.

 

Richard and Joyce Farmer and the Farmer Family Foundation provided the leadership gift of $25 million for the new building.

 

Construction of the project is under way. It is expected to be completed by the end of 2008. The Ohio firm of Moody Nolan Inc. is the architect of record.

 

The Richard T. Farmer School of Business was ranked 17 in BusinessWeek's inaugural survey of the nation's undergraduate business schools in April 2006.

 

http://www.miami.muohio.edu/news/article/view/597

 

I'm glad about the new building and positive recognition for the business school, but I'm starting to get a little worried that it is overtaking the university with receiving so much gifts, higher standards, and now a seperate (higher) tuition. It used to be that the people who couldn't make it in CAS went to the business school, but now it seems it is going the other way around.

From the 11/14/06 Miami Student:

 

 

Farmer Hall contractor bid yet to be decided

Amy Wachler, Senior Staff Writer

Issue date: 11/14/06 Section: Campus

 

Two weeks after ground broke on Richard T. Farmer Hall, the future home for Miami University's Farmer School of Business, administrators are still deciding which contractor will get a bid for the project.

 

Located at the intersection of Patterson and High streets, the estimated $50 million building will include all six academic departments in the business school, as well as the business offices and special classrooms. Currently, the business school's offices and classrooms are situated in both Upham and Laws halls. However, the new facility will allow for the entire business program to function in the same place, so students and faculty will not have to travel between different buildings.

 

"The first thing that comes to my mind is space," said Timothy Greenlee, associate professor of marketing.

 

Scheduled to open in January 2009, university officials are distributing design packages for different contractors to bid on in order for construction to begin.

 

Greenlee stressed that having a main location for the business school will help solidify its identity on campus, and allow students to obtain greater access to the different organizations within the program.

 

The building will feature specialized break-out rooms adjacent to main classrooms, so students performing group activities will have special areas to work together.

 

According to Greenlee, the rooms will be similar to the group study areas at King Library, but with additional file cabinets and lockers to store supplies and materials. Students will also have the option of reserving rooms for specific time periods.

 

In addition, all classrooms will be wired with state-of-the-art technology, such as Webcams, so students can have meetings over the Internet with people outside of the university.

 

"So many of the classes involve team projects," said Alan Oak, assistant dean for external relations for the Richard T. Farmer School of Business. "That's what these rooms will be geared toward."

 

Miami's business school is ranked among the best in the nation, and it is important that its facilities reflect that level of quality, according to Greenlee. He added that he hopes the combination of an already flourishing program with an improved main building will give Miami the chance to provide students with the best education possible.

 

"It's going to look like it has been here and will fit right in, not stick out," Greenlee said, referring to the authentic feel and traditional red brick that characterizes Miami's academic buildings.

 

Along its physical incorporation onto campus, the new building will offer a center for more student-faculty interaction, intended to be is conducive to learning.

 

Intent on creating a place where students can spend the majority of their day, Farmer Hall will have a cafe serving hot and cold food and a common room.

 

"I think it's a wise move because you're designing a building based on how students live," Greenlee said. "We want to make the school a part of the day, where (students) can stay longer and focus (their) time better."

 

The building will also feature a new auditorium that can be used by groups outside of the business school. Similar to Hall Auditorium, the room will seat 500 people and have necessary light, sound and projector equipment in order to host speakers and presentations.

 

http://media.www.miamistudent.net/media/storage/paper776/news/2006/11/14/Campus/Farmer.Hall.Contractor.Bid.Yet.To.Be.Decided-2457373.shtml?sourcedomain=www.miamistudent.net&MIIHost=media.collegepublisher.com

---

From the 10/31/06 Miami Student:

 

 

MU finishes McGuffey Hall renovations, installs new art

Latoya Irvine

Issue date: 10/31/06 Section: Campus

 

Autumn is the season for restoration at Miami University's McGuffey Hall, where a $14 million renovation project has been completed along with an $87,420 art installation.

 

The three-year renovation of the building, which is more than 100 years old, was geared toward interior improvements but did include exterior work, such as new brick and roofing.

 

Proper heating and air conditioning in every room along with state-of-the-art sprinkler and ventilation systems were also added to improve fire safety.

 

There were two phases involved the building's reconfiguration. New administrative and faculty offices were built in the first phase, and classrooms and student workstations were built in the second phase.

 

"We tried to cover the basic necessities while making sure the infrastructure of the classrooms had up-to-date technology," said Raymond Witte, associate dean of education and allied professions, whose office is in McGuffey.

 

In addition to the new offices and rooms, an auditorium and a public commons area are also available for use in McGuffey. Some students and staff members feel these areas the most popular and beneficial.

 

"I love the improvements, the building is so much better now," said Nicole Hansmann, sophomore early education major. "The rooms and color schemes are pleasing to the eye and the students take advantage of the new additions."

 

The auditorium is located on the third floor and seats about 322 people. It has a plasma screen and a projector to be used for group presentations and visiting speakers.

 

"The auditorium is positively the jewel in the process, a perfect spot to fill a lot of our different functions," Witte said. "There are not too many spots on campus that can compare, we smile every time we think about it and are very fortunate to have it in our building."

 

The art installation last week completed the renovations of the building.

 

The sculpture was funded by the Ohio Percent for Arts Program, which funds the acquisition and commissioning of art for new or renovated public buildings with costs exceeding $4 million.

 

Lynn Wagner, environmental graphic designer for Miami's department of planning and construction, led the committee that chose the art.

 

"We used a juried selection process that involved three finalists that were paid $1,000 each to show the committee a mock presentation," Wagner said. "We took the medium, the colors and the atmosphere of the building, and possible public location into consideration."

 

The artist who was chosen, Stephen Knapp, installed a lightpainting sculpture on two walls of the commons area. He developed the process of lightpainting in 1993, which involves cutting out different shapes and sizes of glass and bolting them to the wall at different angles to create a rainbow of colors.

 

"It's all about trying out everything and making materials out to be an evolving process," Knapp said.

 

Besides lightpainting, Knapp also does work in photography, ceramics, murals, and other media and has done work in Italy, Japan, and all over the U.S.

 

"I am a firm believer in liberal arts education," Knapp said. "Learn to think for yourself and your own techniques - don't get locked up in someone else's ideas. I did that and I achieved things that I never thought I could."

 

http://media.www.miamistudent.net/media/storage/paper776/news/2006/10/31/Campus/Mu.Finishes.Mcguffey.Hall.Renovations.Installs.New.Art-2411456.shtml?sourcedomain=www.miamistudent.net&MIIHost=media.collegepublisher.com

 

From the 2/6/07 Miami Student:

 

 

PHOTO: The garage will connect with the current underground facility beneath the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences building via a drive-thru.  Media Credit: David Frish

 

Parking garage plans underway

University attempts to improve space issues for drivers on campus

Dan Lautar

Issue date: 2/6/07 Section: Campus

 

In an answer to the demand for more on-campus parking, arrangements have been made to turn the land where the old Goggin Ice Arena once sat into a $12 million, two-level multipurpose parking garage.

 

The site - just east of Swing Hall and behind the new School of Engineering and Applied Science building on High Street - has remained empty since the old Goggin's destruction late last semester.

 

"We plan to begin construction within the next month to a month and a half," said Miami University Planning and Construction Manager Jack Williams, who expects the project to be fully complete and operational by early next January.

 

"It's going to be a two-level parking garage connected to the School of Engineering's garage, with an open-air plaza on top of it," Williams said. "But we're still only in the designing phase."

 

The School of Engineering's current garage resides below the building and contains 200 parking spaces. These spots will be made available and combined with the projected 470 parking spaces that the new parking garage will hold. The two structures are to be connected by way of a drive-thru, which will extend north from the School of Engineering's foundation and lead into the new parking garage, according to Williams.

 

The open-air plaza aspect of the garage is being designed to look like and function as a public square or grass mall, where students can relax in their free time. As a result of its design, one should be able to gaze north from the top of the engineering building and see nothing but green all the way to the baseball field.

 

The company that will be building the garage has yet to be decided.

 

"Companies are still placing bids for the project," Williams said. " � Right now we're just reproducing drawings for it."

 

News about the addition of the 670 new parking spaces to Miami's 7,900 currently available spots across campus has motorists like sophomore Nick Scrimenti relieved.

 

"I'm an art major, and live off campus," Scrimenti said. "So when I need to bring in a big project or something, I have to drive. Unfortunately I always end up late to class when that happens because I can never find a place to park. More spots will make my life a whole lot easier."

 

A parking garage was judged to be the most effective way to help students like Scrimenti, said Richard Keppler, director of parking and transportation services.

 

He said that by consolidating parking areas into garages where parking spaces are stacked one on top of the other space is the most effective way to accommodating parking needs.

 

"With consolidated parking, we can fill in for surface lots that have been lost over time to new construction." Keppler said.

 

Keppler also said that he anticipates this new garage being very busy because of its central location on campus in comparison to the Campus Avenue Parking Facility, which is located next to the Campus Avenue Building and in front of the Goggin Ice Arena.

 

Rates for the new garage will be set in accordance with the Campus Avenue Parking Facility's new policy, effective Feb. 19, which reduced prices for hourly garage parking to 50 cents. All-day parking will also be available for $5 to people without a permit.

 

Faculty, staff and students with a valid semester or annual parking permit will be able to purchase a month's worth of daytime parking, lasting from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., for $25. And beginning Feb. 19, overnight parking permits will be sold for $75 for the Campus Avenue facility.

 

Permits can be purchased at the Campus Avenue Building in room 15.

 

http://media.www.miamistudent.net/media/storage/paper776/news/2007/02/06/Campus/Parking.Garage.Plans.Underway-2699806.shtml?sourcedomain=www.miamistudent.net&MIIHost=media.collegepublisher.com

 

I am very nervous about this given its prime location and would really like to see the design.  The combined garages sound huge for that part of campus.  This is something that could be done very well or very poorly.

 

Also interesting to see how the car rule has changed since I was a student (when dinosaurs roamed the earth).  The off campus student mentioned being able to drive to campus when he had a big project.  In my day you could not have a car at all (there were a number of expections, I think one of them was if you lived more than 500 miles away or if you had a school related job in Hamilton or the like) even if you lived off campus.  Of course this was a technicality with off campus students as I would guess about 50% actually did have cars.  However, even if you did have a car off campus, you primarily used it to drive to and from your home town or tool around the out skirts of Oxford or drive to other cities (like College Corner for booze). You still had to walk to campus as you could never get a permit to park on campus, so most of the time it was just parked in your apartment complexes parking lot.

The new SEAS building was dedicated last week; Benton is under renovation now to create the schools central office and a main entrance to the SEAS/Benton complex.

 

Looks classy!  Fits right in with the existing architecture on campus.

From the 2/9/07 Miami Student:

 

 

Presidential house faces delays in construction

Shannon Depenbrock

Issue date: 2/9/07 Section: Campus

 

Faulty plumbing and unsupported floors are just a few of the obstacles contractors working on Lewis Place - the building that serves as the home of Miami University presidents - have faced in the renovations that have been underway since June.

 

Yet despite setbacks, Jim Haley, associate vice president of physical facilities and the individual who proposed renovations on the home three years ago, believes Miami President David Hodge and his family will able to move in by April 15, which is on schedule.

 

"Even though we have faced some difficulties, because it is Lewis Place and because of the upcoming graduation activities, we are still attempting to get the project completed by the initial deadline," Haley said.

 

The renovations, commissioned by the board of trustees and under the supervision of general contractors Valor Construction, first encountered delays when the addition being added to the house for catering and kitchen services was found to be lacking in support.

 

"The north side of the house virtually has no foundation under it, so if (the builders) would have added on, as the original renovation plans called for, it could have pulled the whole house down," said Valerie Hodge, university ambassador and wife of President David Hodge.

 

Another problem occurred when a workman's foot went through the floor while he was working on plumbing. This signaled unsupported floors, caused by inefficient pipe installation in the 1920s. As a result, completely new flooring support will need to be added, Valerie Hodge explained.

 

"It's lucky we didn't attempt to put anything heavy on the second floor," Valerie Hodge said. "It could have fallen right through, just like the Truman's piano did in the White House."

 

Since renovations began in June, the Hodges have been living just two homes away, at the Lottie Moon House.

 

"The Lottie Moon House is wonderful and is still close to campus, so it only takes President Hodge three minutes to walk to (Roudebush Hall)," Valerie Hodge said. "But we are looking forward to moving into Lewis Place."

 

The renovations mark the first update to the house in 35 years and the first major renovation to be completed since 1920, when indoor plumbing was installed.

 

"I noticed that Lewis Place was beginning to show its age." Haley said. "It was having some maintenance issues. With the transition of (university) presidents, and the house being vacant, this was the most appropriate time to begin renovations."

 

The Hodges have also enjoyed settling into a lake house they recently purchased in Grand Lake St. Mary's, in St. Mary's, Ohio.

 

"Since we sold our house in Seattle we have been looking forward to investing in a home of our own in Ohio, and this house is wonderful, it sits out on a point overlooking the lake," Valerie Hodge said. "Since it is relatively close we can go for a weekend getaway, and we will definitely take advantage of it in the summer."

 

Although the Hodges are excited about their recent purchase, they are eager to move into Lewis Place. What Valerie Hodge is looking forward to the most is the additional space that Lewis Place will provide to host the certain events traditionally held at the president's home.

 

"We feel as if we have been missing out on a lot of events that are traditions for the university and community, because we haven't been able to host them while the renovations are taking place," Valerie Hodge said. "We don't want people to feel as if they are missing out, too."

 

If all goes according to plan, the renovations should be completed April 15.

 

"We have saved Lewis Place through these renovations," Hodge said. "The builders are doing the work as fast and as efficiently

as possible."

 

http://media.www.miamistudent.net/media/storage/paper776/news/2007/02/09/Campus/Presidential.House.Faces.Delays.In.Construction-2708982.shtml

 

From the 2/13/07 Miami Student:

 

 

MU trustees approve provisionary timeline for new student union

Sarah McEleney

Issue date: 2/13/07 Section: Front Page

 

With the official creation of a planning committee, Miami University is one step closer to building a new student center.

 

Even with this development, however, the university's board of trustees contends that definite plans for a new facility remain tentative.

 

The board of trustees approved a resolution Friday that will allow research regarding the creation of the new center to begin. Specifically, the board approved that $250,000 be allocated to fund the student center design concept process.

 

However, results will not be immediate, according to Steve Snyder, executive assistant to the president and secretary to the board of trustees.

 

"It's going to take a couple of years to see what we want," he said.

 

Snyder also said that just because the university is conducting the study does not mean that a new student center will be built.

 

"Sometimes you do a feasibility study � and it indicates that yeah, you can do this but it's going to cost a lot of money," Snyder said. "The fact that you do a feasibility study doesn't mean you get a new building."

 

In fact, a couple of years ago the university did a study about building a new performing arts building, but decided it would be too expensive, Snyder said.

 

Snyder said he wants to remind students that this process will take a very long time and most will not see the new student center during their time here.

 

Student Body President Brian Alexander said from what he has heard from students in both Associated Student Government (ASG) and around campus is that most are excited about this prospect.

 

"Those of us who do know of it, both inside of ASG and outside, they're pretty excited about it," Alexander said. "(But) not too excited - they know it won't be here until their gone."

 

Alexander said he hopes that ASG will have a large part in the planning and outcome of this potential project.

 

"(We hope to have) a significant say in this project ... (the building) is supposed to be a crossroads for student organizations," Alexander said.

 

President David Hodge sees a new student center as crucial to Miami - especially now.

 

"This is a very significant need we have," Hodge said. "The time has come, we believe, to move forward with this project."

 

Snyder said that while the university does have a need for a new student center, the process of the finalizing decision will go on for years to come.

 

"We have to manage the expectation that it's going to be a long process," he said. "But it's pretty exciting."

 

Hodge expects that should building commence, the project will take about five and a half to six years and anticipates results around 2012.

 

Though it may seem long, this is how the university goes about planning all construction, Snyder said.

 

"When we build a new building, this is the process we go through," Snyder explained.

 

The next step in the planning process will be hiring an architectural firm selection committee which will include student, faculty and staff representatives. Hodge will select the committee in March, with the purpose of researching the prospects of a new student center, as well as reviewing potential architectural firms. The committee will also address the questions of where the center should be built, how much it should cost and how Shriver Center would be used in the future.

 

Miami's Physical Facilities Department will complete the initial selection of the architectural firms by reviewing the firms' qualifications and experience in developing a design concept statement for a new student center, conducting an analysis of existing buildings, conducting a needs assessment, performing a program development plan, conducting a building site analysis and developing conceptual design studies for the new building, according to the university's concept timeline. (See box)

 

The selection committee is expected to make its final decision on a firm between May and June of this year.

 

The board will probably choose the student members of the committee from Associated Student Government (ASG) or the student trustees, according to Snyder.

 

The committee will then work with the chosen architectural firm on a feasibility study regarding the new student center.

 

The university began seriously thinking about a new student center after WTW Architects and Sextant Group came to Miami in January and spoke about future student concerns, such as resident halls, student centers and dining services.

 

Snyder said he thought the presentation was helpful.

 

"It helps to do the planning for a building to adapt to different ways students will interact with each other," Snyder said.

 

 

Other business

 

The board also approved Friday the university securing the necessary funds for other construction projects.

 

These projects include the completion of the new engineering building, construction of the new business school building, development and construction of a joint education center in West Chester, Ohio and the construction of a new Middletown Campus Community Center.

 

Furthermore, renovations will take place at the Center for Performing Arts as well as renovations at Benton, Presser and Hiestand Halls.

 

Richard Norman, vice president of finance and business services said that much of the construction is to update buildings from the 1960s and '70s.

 

http://media.www.miamistudent.net/media/storage/paper776/news/2007/02/13/FrontPage/Mu.Trustees.Approve.Provisionary.Timeline.For.New.Student.Union-2715518.shtml

 

From the 3/27/07 Miami Student:

 

 

* PHOTO: McGuffey and Phillips halls recently underwent renovations with a combined cost of nearly $19 million. The re-dedication ceremonies will be in late April.

 

3 Miami buildings to be dedicated after completion, renovations

Austin Fast

Issue date: 3/27/07 Section: Campus

 

After four years of planning, 23 months of construction, 10 miles of electrical wiring, and 300,000 red bricks mortared into place, Miami University's newest building, the Engineering Building, has officially opened its doors.

 

This Friday, the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences plans to hold a ceremony to celebrate the completion and dedication of the new Engineering Building.

 

Yet, Linda Kramer, assistant to the dean of the School of Engineering and Applied Science, said it may be a while before the building gets an official name.

 

"The building will simply be called the Engineering Building as Miami has a very strict process for naming buildings," Kramer said. "It may not have a name for quite some time, just as the Campus Avenue Building does not have a name."

 

According to Kramer, the dedication festivities include an academic processional beginning at 4 p.m. at Kreger Hall, continuing along the sidewalk between Laws Hall and Roudebush Hall before ending at the new Engineering Building.

 

President David Hodge, Provost Jeffrey Herbst, and Marek Dollár, dean of the School of Engineering and Applied Science, will lead the processional of faculty and administrative members in full academic regalia.

 

"Once the procession reaches the north terrace of the Engineering Building," Kramer said, "Dean Dollár, President Hodge, and other school officials will present short speeches, followed by a ribbon cutting ceremony at 5 p.m. There will then be an open house with self-guided tours of the building."

 

Among the honored guests scheduled to attend are Ohio senators and representatives, former President James Garland, former President Phillip Shriver, and Ronald A. Crutcher, a former Miami provost who currently serves as the president of Wheaton College in Norton, Mass.

 

According to Jack Williams, project architect and manager, the construction process began in January 2005 on land that was originally the plaza in front of the old Goggin Ice Arena. The project was finally finished in December 2006, when professors and students were finally allowed to occupy the building.

 

Currently, the offices for the School of Engineering and Applied Science are located in the Bonham House on Spring Street. According to Kramer, the purpose of the construction was to unite the school under one roof.

 

"The adjacent Benton Hall is also being renovated to include the computer science and systems analyst department, computer labs, and the dean's office," Kramer said. "We plan to move in by the end of the calendar year."

 

First-year engineering management student Michael Eilers said the new facilities are more convenient for students.

 

"One thing that helps is having everything in one building," Eilers said. "It makes the labs very student friendly and more accessible than the old ones."

 

Williams said that the new building centralizes classrooms and is an improvement in the quality of classrooms compared to the older buildings.

 

"Before the completion of the new building, the engineering classrooms were spread out - some were in Kreger Hall and some were in Gaskill Hall," Williams said. "Kreger's (classrooms) were in grim condition."

 

According to Williams, the new building strives to accommodate and facilitate effective student learning and education.

 

"The new building features state-of-the-art data and communication technology," Williams said. "It also has more space and an upgraded quality of classrooms, offices, and laboratories, as well as a more pleasant learning environment. We put in more areas to relax and study, and it's nice to see students using the study areas. The design has created something that works."

 

Williams revealed that one of the particularly remarkable features of the complex are the three levels of subterranean parking located underneath the structure and accessible from the building's north side, which may help to ease parking problems on campus, although Parking Services has not yet allocated their use as of yet.

 

This is William's third construction project at Miami. He worked on the construction of Pulley Tower in 2002 and Hughes Hall from 2001 through 2003. He said that the architectural scheme of campus is something he is able to accommodate.

 

"It wasn't hard to make the building match the rest of the campus," Williams said. "I know that's just part of the deal."

 

The Engineering Building is not the only recent physical change for Miami's campus. Both McGuffey and Phillip halls were also renovated and both buildings will hold open houses and re-dedication ceremonies April 21.

 

According to Mel Shidler, project manager of the McGuffey renovation, the renovation process began with design ideas in 1997 and construction lasted from September 2003 until March 2006.

 

The McGuffey renovation cost approximately $14.5 million to complete, according to a Miami press released March 19. Phillips Hall, which was actually completed in 2002, cost $4.5 million.

 

Shidler said that the addition of technology to the building was the biggest improvement.

 

"The biggest positive change and asset was the development of south wing of building incorporating high tech classrooms," Shidler said. "There were also audio-visual services provided as well the addition of two computer classrooms."

 

Although he was not directly involved with the Phillips Hall renovation, Shidler remarked that the construction there greatly improved a facility that was in desperate need of repair.

 

Phillips Hall, besides being the location for the department of physical education, health and sport studies (PHS), also houses basketball courts, racquetball courts and a dance studio used by Miami's club sports and other organizations. It is one of the few buildings at Miami named after a woman - Margaret E. Phillips, the chair of the department of physical education for women between 1921 and 1961.

 

"The Phillips Hall renovation was incorporated into the renovation of McGuffey," Shidler said. "The project was a very long process, and there was a tremendous amount of work that went into it."

 

http://media.www.miamistudent.net/media/storage/paper776/news/2007/03/27/Campus/3.Miami.Buildings.To.Be.Dedicated.After.Completion.Renovations-2793141.shtml

 

From the 4/24/07 Miami Student:

 

 

Warfield Hall construction date depends on asbestos removal

Jessica Roy

Issue date: 4/24/07 Section: Campus

 

Construction in Warfield Hall, home to the Office of Student Affairs, will not begin until June 2007 due to the removal of asbestos in the building prior to further renovations.

 

Jeff Johnson, industrial hygienist and radiation safety officer of Miami's Environmental Health and Safety department, said that Miami University has known about Warfield Hall's asbestos for more than 10 years. In 1996 and 1997, all buildings built prior to 1981 were sampled for asbestos, including Warfield Hall.

 

"Any building built prior to 1981, you have to assume that certain suspect materials are asbestos before you sample them and send them to a lab to have them proved that they are not asbestos," Johnson said.

 

According to Mel Shidler, project manager for the renovation of Warfield Hall, asbestos in Warfield Hall was found near pipes, in insulation, and under brittle floor tiles.

 

And Shidler explained that removing asbestos from a building is a dangerous task and requires proper gear and protection.

 

"People generally wear suits," he said. "With the (contaminated) insulation, they use a glove bag so nothing is released into the air. They actually enclose the whole area and put it under negative pressure so nothing is released into the atmosphere."

 

According to Dr. Gregory Garnett, medical director of Student Health Services, safety measures are vital because asbestos can cause lung scarring and mesothelioma, a form of lung cancer.

 

"The concerns we have from a health standpoint revolve around the inhalation of asbestos dust," Garnett said. "Inhaling the dust can result in disability because of the long-term lung damage. Once the asbestos is in the lung, it stays in the lung."

 

He added that while asbestos is dangerous, it only presents a risk if it is in the air in the form of dust. If asbestos remains intact, it does not create a health issue. However, asbestos becomes an issue during construction and remodeling when it is torn out and creates dust.

 

The Environmental Protection Agency echoes Garnett's view about when to eliminate asbestos from a building. Johnson explained that the EPA does not recommend removing asbestos until the building is going to be either renovated or demolished unless the material becomes significantly damaged.

 

For this reason, asbestos remains in buildings across campus.

 

"Hughes Hall was renovated several years ago, and there is an enormous amount of floor tile containing asbestos," Johnson said. "But, the tile is found to be in good condition, and the scope of the renovation was strictly mechanical."

 

As an employee of the physical facilities department, Shidler is both familiar with and not at all concerned with the asbestos contamination in Warfield Hall.

 

"It's very normal," he said. "It happens in every building that we renovate."

 

Johnson echoed Shidler's comments, saying that this process is more or less routine.

 

"There are very few buildings in which we don't have to deal with asbestos," Johnson said. "This is part of the renovation."

 

The renovation plan for Warfield is that all of the hall will be gutted and remodeled to better suit the needs of faculty, staff and students. The project includes upgrades for the Americans with Disabilities Act compliance to meet the needs of handicapped students.

 

The expected date of completion for the renovation is August 2008. However, this date is subject to change depending on when construction begins. After the renovation, the building will continue to house student affairs, currently relocated in Kreger Hall.

 

http://media.www.miamistudent.net/media/storage/paper776/news/2007/04/24/Campus/Warfield.Hall.Construction.Date.Depends.On.Asbestos.Removal-2876108.shtml

 

From Miami University, 6/22/07:

 

 

Structural problems discovered at Lewis Place

06/22/2007

 

Renovations at Lewis Place, the home for the family of Miami University's president, were completed in time for the building to be used for public events during Reunion Weekend, but not without some major structural work, Richard Norman, senior vice president of finance and business services, told the Miami University board of trustees at its June 22 meeting.

 

In fall 2005 when former President James Garland announced his intention to retire, the board of trustees charged Miami's administration with renovating the historic building. As is typical with many old homes, Miami staff found severe structural problems during the renovations of the home, which has served Miami presidents since 1903. Many overdue and much-needed renovations were designated for Lewis Place last year, but a growing list of hidden defects added significantly to renovation costs. As work proceeded, crews discovered there were no foundation footers under a section of the kitchen and extensive termite and wood rot damage was found in the floor joists at various locations throughout the home, Norman said. In addition, a cistern found underneath the garage needed to be removed and properly discarded.

 

Because the home was built in 1839, Lewis Place needed considerable shoring to maintain the house’s integrity -- Miami's ultimate goal for the renovation, Norman added. In addition, the university was required to bring the house, which is a state building, in line with Ohio's handicap-accessible code regulations.

 

Gift funds were used for the structural repairs and all other costs of the renovation except for changes requested by the university's catering services. The necessary repairs increased the cost of infrastructure renovations (a new heating, ventilation and air conditioning system [HVAC], electrical and plumbing improvements, life safety systems, improvements to the functionality and accessibility of the public area of the house) to more than $1 million.

 

The catering/hosting renovations (on-site storage for catering supplies, a working area from which to stage 75-100 annual events) were requested by Carillon Catering and cost about $575,000 from housing, dining and guest services' contingency repair/renovation funds.

 

In addition, residence renovations (refurbishing two bathrooms, reconfiguring one bedroom and converting one bedroom and a closet into a private family room) cost about $318,000 in gift monies. It is the first time in 43 years that the private area has been renovated.

 

"Lewis Place is a multi-functional house serving as both a public university building for meetings and events and a private residence,” explained Norman.

The building's 1928-vintage, below-ground-level garage that frequently flooded has been replaced and a new energy-efficient HVAC system will replace the five furnaces in the house that had been added over time. Sixteen fireplaces originally heated the home.

 

The completed renovations include a three-car garage, an outside deck and patio area, and improved circulation and foot traffic pattern throughout the house for large events, indicated Norman. The renovations also reflect both the state codes for public buildings and "the home's original Southern Colonial architecture, thus preserving its historic nature."

 

http://www.miami.muohio.edu/news/article/view/1979

 

 

  Wow. I worked on some of those projects, but I haven't been to Oxford in over a year. It's neat to see the finished buildings. Thanks for posting.