Southwest Missouri’s largest university keeps growing.
As crews continue work on more than $71 million in campus projects — such as the $26.7 million Glass Hall renovation and expansion — Missouri State University already has $4.5 million more in construction and renovations in the works.
According to the Springfield Contractors Association’s latest bid calendar, the university has 10 projects going to bid in February and March, the largest of which is an estimated $3.8 million job at its West Plains campus.
According to an SCA newsletter sent to members, West Plains’ Hass-Darr Hall had served as the West Plains Post Office until its lease came up and the post office moved. The building will transition into a welcome center and admissions office for new students, along with an expanded bookstore and student union. Another $20,000 is estimated for asbestos removal work at the building.
“Right now, the university remains cautious as we await the governor’s budget recommendation for fiscal year 2018 and how it may impact what we need to do,” the university’s website reads. “Beyond these projects, we are working on larger projects that will be bid later in the spring/summer.”
Other projects going to bid and estimated costs are:
• $216,000 to replace aging boilers in Kentwood Hall;
• $120,000 for new hardware and draperies in Sunvilla Tower;
• $100,000 to install engineered rigging points above the audience for the upcoming “Phantom of the Opera” at Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts;
• $80,000 to replace the climate control systems in Karls Hall;
• $65,000 for installation of a ceiling-mounted, body-weight supported ambulation system in McQueary Family Health Sciences Hall; and
• $50,000 to refinish three floors at Scholars House.
The university also has two projects on tap with estimated costs still to be determined: a new parking lot south of Kentwood Hall on Walnut Street and computer lab renovations and additions to Cheek Hall.
Moseley’s Discount Office Products was purchased; Side Chick opened in Branson; and the Springfield franchise store of NoBaked Cookie Dough changed ownership.
