The green light has been officially given to Busch Memorial Center renovations and expansion.
“Construction on Busch will start in June,” said Kathleen Brady, vice president for Facilities Management and Civic Affairs, to the Student Government Association last night. “Even though all of the funds are not going to be in place, the Board has given approval,” she added.
By June 2, the entire BMC will be handed over to contractor Clayco Construction Company, headquartered in St. Louis. Site preparation and fencing off will begin in May.
Student organizations and University departments located in the BMC will begin to move on May 15.
Vice President for Student Development Kathy Humphrey said that with the target completion date set for August 2003, the project needed to start in June.
The project will begin with demolition and gutting of the existing structure. By September, students will see the beginning of new construction.
Raising from original estimates of $12 to $15 million, the project now reaches $21 million. That is a $1 million increase more than the estimate a month ago due to the evaluation by a consulting company that the loading dock and freight elevator need to be improved.
While the donors have not been announced yet, Humphrey expects University Development to announce the donors at an appropriate time. “Some things are sealed, some things are not,” she said.
Humphrey noted that many naming opportunities still exist for the building, including the ballroom and various centers, like the multicultural or student government centers.
While the exact layout is not finalized, Brady said she expects to unveil floor plans in early May.
With the closure of the BMC, all departments and student organizations will be relocated to Notre Dame Hall. That building will remain open 24 hours a day and will contain several spaces in which students can study.
Food service plans for next year have not been finalized and depend upon whichever food vendor is given the contract, likely to be announced in late April. Locations being considered include the space above Kelly Auditorium, the C-Store, expansion of Ameren Caf?, expansion of Griesedieck Cafeteria and converting Marguerite Hall lounge into a coffee shop. All of these depend on the chosen food provider.
Colorado Restaurant, suggested by some for relocation use, is still being considered for a full-service restaurant. A new proposal for one was submitted last week to Humphrey and Brady.
As the planning phase for the building ends, the next phase of choosing retail vendors and solidifying contracts begins. Bids for the copy center/mail room will be requested this week. Some vendors are already contacting the University wanting space.
