'Nose job' kicks off the campus facelift |
| Posted by Administrator on Apr 02 2008 at 4:40 PM |
Photo by Sarah Ahlers
Fences and construction equipement- the new look UNK is going for. Fences have popped up everywhere from the Randall Hall parking lot to the very frustrating walkway between the library, as well as Bruner Hall, Thomas Hall and the residential halls.
By Vicki Althage
Antelope Staff
At their March 7 meeting, the Nebraska Board of Regents approved a $5.2 million renewal project for the residence halls on the University of Nebraska at Kearney campus. The project is part of the estimated $18.5 million seven year Capital renewal plan UNK has proposed to revamp living quarters to create a more appealing campus.
The $5.2 million will go toward minor repairs in CTE, CTW, URN and URS. Mantor Hall will close for the 2008-2009 school year to undergo renovation of its restrooms, replacement of plumbing and installation of HVAC piping and sprinkler system. The funding for the project is coming from the Revenue Bond Surplus Fund.
"The money has been accumulating for a number of years, and now we are putting it back into the university," said Barbara Johnson, UNK Vice Chancellor of Business and Finance.
During their annual visit to university system schools, the Board of Regents visited UNK and toured Randall Hall. Johnson said the Regents were surprised to find that students were actually using the facilities they toured.
"The tour of Randall allowed the Board to get a visual of the problems we are facing," Johnson said.
A major concern that has been voiced is the restrooms in older dorms. The renovations center on privacy in restrooms by adding fixtures that would allow the university to do away with shower curtains. "By updating and renovating, we hope that it will make UNK more appealing for recruiting and maintaining students, because residence halls are where students spend a majority of their time," Johnson said.
Students returning to the Towers for the 2008-2009 school year will see improvements as well. The university will be replacing furniture in CTE and CTW, along with making general repairs in restrooms, dorm rooms and commons areas.
"We want to address visual concerns. If the carpet in the lounges is soiled, it'll be replaced," Johnson said.
Johnson hopes that the money from the Revenue Bond Surplus Fund can help bring older halls on campus into the modern century. The capital renewal plan also includes a systematic method of maintaining a proactive stance on repairs that will help ensure that residence halls will be improved regularly to avoid another large renovation.
"We need to use our funds wisely because we have a responsibility to our students and our bond holders," Johnson said.
The $5.2 million project for 2008-2009 is part of the $18.5 million renewal project UNK hopes to have approved by the Board of Regents. UNK will need to present its proposal in September of 2009. If approved, further renovations will be made on a year-to-year basis. On the projected plan Mantor, Men's, Randall, CTW and CTE will all have sprinkler systems installed, restrooms renovated, HVAC piping insulated and general repairs performed.
"Restrooms were the number one request on everyone's wish list when we met to discuss the renovations," Johnson said.
Luckily for students, the renovation work will have little to no effect on those living on campus. The majority of work will be done inside the buildings and the added capacity of Antelope Hall and Nester Hall will allow the university enough swing space to close the residence hall that is being remodeled for the year. Johnson said UNK's goal at the end of the project in 2014, is to have 2,200 beds for residential purposes to accommodate students.
"There will be growing pains over the next few years, but the project will make the residence halls more comfortable for students," Johnson said.
UNK is not the only institution in the university system to experience renovations. The University of Nebraska—Lincoln is also undergoing improvements to its 1960's residence halls. Of the four campuses, Johnson said UNK is the most in need of renovation to living quarters. Johnson felt the improvements to the residence halls were the best way to uphold Dr. Peter Longo's UNK mantra: "How does that benefit our students?"
