West Virginia University - News and Information Services
Campus construction projects move forward, with BOG approval
West Virginia University Board of Governors members on Friday (Feb. 9) heard an update on over two dozen campus construction projects, and approved several new ones, including a pedestrian bridge across University Ave.
The panel also heard from Vice President for Health Sciences Robert D’Alessandri about WVU biomedical researchers on the front lines battling cancer, Alzheimer’s and other diseases.
Assistant Vice President for Facilities and Services Joe Fisher told the BOG that since their approval of some comprehensive capital improvement projects in 2004, there has been significant progress.
He cited over $93 million in completed projects, including a new addition to the agricultural sciences building; the opening of Lincoln Hall as a residential college; Allen-Percival Hall renovations; the completion of the Mountainlair Garage and Plaza project; a new Health Sciences Library and Education Center; near completion of phase one of the Downtown Campus infrastructure project; WVU Parkersburg facility stabilization; and renovations to the Coliseum, stadium and soccer facilities.
Some $194 million has also been committed to additional projects, including renovations to Oglebay and Brooks halls for the forensic science and geology/geography programs, he added. Both are slated for completion in June 2007 at a cost of $22 million and $29 million, respectively. A new $19 million residence hall at Potomac State College of WVU is also on schedule for a Summer 2007 opening.
Other capital projects, costs and completion dates:
- Chemistry Research Lab Addition, May 2008, $5 million
- Jackson’s Mill Fire Academy, August 2007, $6.3 million
- Colson Hall Renovation, November 2007, $8.2 million
- White Hall Renovation, Fall 2008, $5 million
- Engineering Science Building Southeast Renovation, June 2008, $9.2 million
- Neurosciences Institute, December 2007, $30 million
- Law Center Abatement, August 2007, $2 million
- Phase II of the infrastructure project, $8.9 million
- Storm Water Detention Pools near the Health Sciences campus, August 2007, $1.7 million
- Biomedical Science Research Facility, Spring 2008, $41.9 million
During Board action, the panel approved a pedestrian bridge across University Ave between Oglebay Hall and the College of Business and Economics at a cost $1.75 million. Construction is likely to begin in May.
Once Oglebay Hall is completed, officials estimate that as many as a thousand more students will cross University Ave. during class change, and an overhead bridge will provide safe travel and be architecturally pleasing.
Vice President Narvel Weese also noted that a new Parking and Transportation Committee is studying these two issues concurrently, and working with City and County officials to look at ways to ease traffic congestion and offer parking solutions.
Biomedical Research moves forward
Vice President Robert D’Alessandri distributed a new CD, “Research: Discovery and Hope," showcasing dozens of WVU biomedical researchers who are working on cures for cancer, stroke, Alzheimer's and other diseases. The multimedia production also features several patients who have a vital stake in the success of biomedical research at WVU’s Robert C. Byrd Health Sciences Center.
In the next five to 10 years, medical research at WVU could create as many as 2,000 jobs and generate more than $50 million in research, officials say. Continued federal, state and private funding is critical to these research efforts.
Two major projects – the Blanchette Rockefeller Neurosciences Center and the Biomedical Science Research Facility are currently under construction.
In other action, the BOG approved:
- renovation of the Boreman Hall Dining Facility to bring it into compliance with fire and health codes and modernize the facility that was built in 1935, $2.2 million
- completion of the Downtown Campus infrastructure project to create a chilled water loop on the east end of campus, $8.9 million
- renovation of the classroom portion of the Law School, $2 million
- three athletic facilities improvement projects: upgrading the Puskar Facilities Center to create an academic study center, additional club seating and three new Stadium suite areas; Expansion of the Touchdown Terrace Club in the northeast and northwest field level corners adding 182 additional seats; and replacement of stadium turf; $3.8 million
- degree change from a DSN in nursing to a Ph.D. in nursing
- three news majors in the Davis College - agroecology, applied and environmental microbiology and soil science establishment of a master of health science pathologist’s assistant degree
The BOG will meet again April 13, when it is likely they will consider the next president of WVU.
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