Gov. Jennifer Granholm has signed Senate Bill 511 (Public
Act 278 of 2008), which approves $31.5 million in capital
outlay funds to modernize Eastern Michigan University's
Pray-Harrold classroom building. The governor signed the
bill Sept. 29.
 |
HELP IS ON THE WAY: After nearly a decade
of
attempting to secure capital outlay budget funds
to
renovate Pray-Harrold, Eastern Michigan University
will receive $31.5 million in capital outlay funds
to
modernize its largest classroom building. Gov.
Jennifer Granholm signed Senate Bill 511, which
approved the funding, Sept. 29. |
"This is wonderful news. It will allow us to renovate
Pray-Harrold, so EMU can provide world-class instruction
to our students," said Susan Martin, president of EMU. "We
thank the Governor, legislature and citizens of this state
for their support of this critical building project. "This
is our first significant capital outlay appropriation since
1996. We look forward to future support to revitalize our
facilities. This project will support many construction
jobs in eastern Washtenaw County."
However, the Board of Regents has yet to determine the
scope of the overall project. That scope will determine
what EMU's overall cost share would be. The University
originally earmarked $14.25 million as its cost share towards
the project, but that number was based on an overall $57
million project using a scenario in which the state contributed
$42.75 million, or 75 percent of the project cost, said
Todd Ohmer, assistant to the vice president for business
and finance.
If EMU makes a decision to use the full $14.25 million,
along with the $31.5 million state contribution, it could
still produce an overall project totaling $45.75 million.
Whatever amount the University decides to contribute will
be funded from money already collected and to be collected
by the 4-percent tuition fee increase that began in fall
2005 from the action taken by the Board to identify funding
for outstanding facility needs.
Previous renovation discussions included reconfiguration
of the existing space to accommodate additional classroom
and computer lab space; new technology, a new, dedicated
electrical primary source; replacing and modifying the
HVAC system; wiring for informational technology; replacement
of architectural, structural, mechanical and electrical
systems; and additional upgrades to comply with ADA standards.
The project also could include additional net square footage
to provide students with much needed gathering space.
The physical plant has begun the process of working with
the College of Arts and Science to create an advisory committee,
said John Donegan, associate vice president for facilities.
"This committee will confirm the program statement and
define and prioritize the specific needs of the buidling
occupants, and be inclusive of student and facilty representation,"
Donegan said. "The physical plant department has been extensively
involved with the evaluation of the existing infrastructure
and will oversee the energy savings opportunities associated
with the replacement of mechanical and electrical equipment."
Work will begin this winter on the portion
of Pray-Harrold that houses the IT department, he said.
Donegan expects programming and design to take 12-15 months
before construction actually begins on the main portion
of the structure.
"Much of the renovation will involve extensive work on
the HVAC and electrical services within the building, in
addition to new interior finishes, " Donegan said. "A key
factor in finalizing both the design and construction schedules
will be the solution needed for developing 'swing space',
that is the space that will be used in the interim construction
period."
Pray-Harrold, at 237,108 square feet, was built in 1969
and is EMU's largest classroom building. It serves an average
of 10,000 students per day. Since 1999, securing funds
to modernize Pray-Harrold has headed the EMU Board of Regents'
capital outlay budget request. Until this funding was granted,
EMU had not had a capital project funded by the state since
1996. — Ron Podell contributed
to this report.
