The Eastern Michigan University Board of Regents approved
a fiscal year 2008 capital outlay budget request for the
modernization of Pray-Harrold, the University's largest
classroom building.
The action came at a special Regents meeting Oct. 20.
The estimated cost to renovate Pray-Harrold is approximately
$52.7 million. The University's cost share is 25 percent
or approximately $13.2 million. The University's cost would
increase an additional $2.3 million for non-allowable costs
primarily related to temporary space and relocation costs.
That would bring the University's total cost to nearly
$15.5 million.
 |
CAPITAL GAIN: Eastern Michigan University's
Board
of Regents again made Pray-Harrold its top
capital
outlay budget request. The estimated cost
to renovate
EMU's largest classroom building is
approximately
$52.7 million. The University's share
is
approximately $15.5 million. |
The University's total required share of the project would
be provided through the sale of bonds supported by tuition
and fee revenue generated by the 4 percent tuition and
fee increase that began in fiscal year 2006 to address
campus capital needs, said Steve Holda, EMU's interim director
of business and finance.
"Pray-Harrold has been our top priority since 1999 because
of the condition of the building and the number of students
it serves every day," Holda said. "We have identified concerns
with the building, which include technology infrastructure,
heating, ventilation, air conditioning systems and handicap
accessibility."
Pray-Harrold was built in 1969 as the state of Michigan's
single largest classroom building, at 237,108 square feet.
For the past 37 years, the building has been utilized at
capacity, serving about 10,000 students each instructional
day.
Despite having one of the oldest campuses in Michigan,
EMU has not had a capital outlay project funded by the
state since 1996.
"Eastern Michigan University views its physical capital
as a financial asset, and believes that investing in the
Pray-Harrold modernization project is an exceptionally
wise use of state funds," Holda said. "Such an investment
will extend the life of the building, reduce operation
costs and offer a more effective learning environment."
 |
SCIENCE PLAN: Eastern Michigan
University's
Board of Regents recently
approved a plan to self-fund
a $100
million project for the Mark Jefferson
Science
Complex. This project calls for a
161,600-square-foot
building addition and
a complete renovation of
the existing
science building. |
While EMU's main focus is renovating Pray-Harrold, the
state requires identification of other capital projects
to be included in the Five-Year Capital Outlay Plan. Additional
projects include: renovation of Mark Jefferson Science
Building and the addition of a science laboratory; and
renovation of Strong Hall.
Under Phase I of its plan to address the needs of science
students on campus, the University would self-fund a $100
million project for the Mark Jefferson Science Complex.
This project calls for a 161,600-square-foot building addition
and a complete renovation of the existing science building.
The project will address outdated laboratory space, as
well as the need for additional classroom and faculty office
space, Holda said.
A program statement for this project has been completed
and funding for this project will be provided by the issuance
of debt. The debt service will be paid primarily with funds
generated by the 4-percent tuition increase that was approved
for this purpose by the Regents, effective in fall 2005.
Phase II of the project involves renovating Strong Hall,
another science building. A program statement is being
developed for Strong.
"We see this (Strong) as the next number-one capital priority
after the completion of the Pray-Harrold project. We look
forward to the state being able to participate in the funding
of the Strong project and for its inclusion in a future
capital bill," Holda said.
