Inside Iowa State

April 3, 2009

Rec project gets 'shovel-ready'

by Erin Rosacker

The recreation facilities expansion and renovation project took another step forward when the state Board of Regents approved the schematic design, project description and $52.8 million budget at its March 19 meeting. The project includes construction of an addition to State Gym and renovations to the 96-year-old building, Beyer Hall and Lied Center.

Warren Madden, vice president for business and finance, told regents the project could be eligible for federal dollars from the economic stimulus bill. Bids will start with an immediate call for proposals on the work at Lied. Completion of all construction and renovation is projected for August 2011.

Some project changes since the regents heard an update last October include fewer renovations to Beyer and more air conditioning and ventilation work at Lied. The detailed schematic design still includes a complete renovation of State Gym (66,595 gross square feet), and bumps up the addition's size to 92,278 gsf (from 91,800 gsf).

More than 3,100 gsf of space was shaved off the list of renovations at Beyer, including multi-purpose and auxillary rooms (such as storage and maintenance areas). Renovated locker rooms and a lobby/vending area still are included. The lobby would include a control desk similar to Lied -- making Beyer accessible only to ISU students, paid users and program participants (such as youth gymnastics classes or swim meet fans).

At Lied, an additional 22,000 gsf of space will get air conditioning. That includes the main entrance, lobby, two-story student lounge and the east and west stairwells. The large gymnasium/track area will not be air-conditioned, but ventilation improvements (such as large volume fans) will be added.

Highlights at State Gym include:

• An elevated skywalk, connecting State Gym and Beyer Hall
• Recreation pool
• Jogging track
• Five basketball courts (in two open gymnasium spaces)
• Rock climbing wall
• Dedicated fitness suite
• Cardio and weight training area
• Multipurpose rooms
• Space for club sports, outdoor recreation programs and administrative offices

Controlled entrances at Beyer, State Gym and the new addition would require faculty and staff to purchase passes to use the facilities -- an issue the Professional and Scientific Council opposed by passing a resolution last year urging continued free employee access to State Gym and Beyer Hall.

Updates and details, including the schematic design, are available online. Planners also scheduled a town hall meeting April 7 (6-7:30 p.m., 2121 Martin Hall). Representatives from RDG Planning and Design will present a project update. Free pizza and pop will be provided.

Number crunching

The budget for the recreation facilities expansion and renovation project remains $52.8 million. Vice president for business and finance Warren Madden told regents that current construction costs could mean savings.

Here is a breakdown of estimated costs:

Construction	$42,834,220
Professional fees	$6,452,370
Movable equipment	$2,026,150
Relocation	$117,630
Contingencies	$1,369,630
Total	$52,800,000