Eastern Michigan University regents approve $15 million capitol budget that includes investment for improvements to academic facilities in the Science Complex and Quirk/Sponberg Theater building.

Photo Purple Walrus Press.

By Editor & Publisher Jeff Brown.

Friday, February 9, the Eastern Michigan University Board of Regents approved a $15 million capitol budget for 2018-19. The budget will include investment resulting in improvements to academic facilities in the Science Complex, the College of Business, Quirk/Sponberg Theater building and renovations to student housing and information technology. This is according to Eastern Michigan University.

According to a statement from Eastern Michigan University, "The primary investments in the FY19 budget include:

Academic Facility Enhancements ($2.9 million): Projects include $1.4 million for a remodel of the fifth floor of the Science Complex to house lab space for the new EMU neuroscience and fermentation science programs.

The College of Business, located in the Gary Owen Building in downtown Ypsilanti, will receive renovations, including new flooring, at a cost of $750,000. The Quirk/Sponberg Theatre building, which houses the Department of Communication, Media and Theatre Arts, will receive renovations, including windows and paneling, the first part of a three-year renovation, at a cost of $720,000.

Housing, Student Programming ($1.6 million): Five residential facilities will receive routine upgrades, including Cornell, Hill, The Village, Westview and the First-Year Center.

Technology ($2.7 million): Individual expenses include classroom technology ($780,000)  network/servers ($1.4 million), campus Wi-Fi ($450,000) and the Data Center ($88,000).

Safety and Security ($1.4 million): Planned enhancements include additional lights and cameras ($600,000), ADA sidewalk repairs and compliance ($450,000) and security fencing ($350,000).

Other Campus Capital Investment ($6.4 million): Projects include an asset preservation retaining wall for Ford, Boone and Pierce halls ($565,000), Rynearson Stadium concrete repairs ($400,000), infrastructure replacement and upgrades (approx. $1.3 million), fire alarm replacement ($870,000), roadway improvements for the new health center ($1.8 million), annual roof repair ($500,000) and contingency funds of $1 million to cover any unforeseen expenses.

The annual capital budget is in addition to three supplemental projects approved at the Dec. 15 meeting of the Board of Regents. Those projects include:

• The renovation and expansion of Sill Hall, home of the College of Technology, in support of the University’s existing, new and future engineering and technology programs – which are a crucial element in furnishing skilled professionals for high-demand jobs in Michigan. The estimated cost is $40 million.
• Renovation of the Rec/IM facility, to be initiated in summer of 2018. The extensive Rec/IM Building plan, which is a major priority among our students, includes a variety of upgrades that will increase the facility’s physical appeal as well as the range of activities, services and student wellness initiatives available. The estimated cost is $16 million.
• Construction of a new building to provide contemporary sports medicine and performance training services. The estimated cost, which will be heavily supported by athletics fundraising, is $20 million."