MSU board approves series of campus renovations

The Missouri State University Board of Governors yesterday approved several proposals for a series of campus renovation and improvement projects.

For the arts
The university's governing board gave the OK to two projects related to renovations of Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts.

The first calls for a refinanced loan agreement, resulting in cost savings to pay for a chilled water loop extension at Juanita K. Hammons Hall, according to the meeting agenda. The board approved a $675,000 budget for the project.

On Aug. 30, 2004, MSU entered into a lease agreement with Johnson Controls Inc. for equipment, construction, improvements and energy cost-saving renovations to campus facilities. The lease agreement is covered by a loan assigned to Bank of America at a principal amount of roughly $7 million, and as of April 17, it carried a 2 percent prepayment premium. The refinancing agreement has a maximum principal amount not to exceed $8.1 million, to reach maturity no later than Sept. 30, 2020, at a fixed interest rate not to exceed 2 percent a year.

A second proposal approved yesterday gives the green light for Beachwood, Ohio-based Tremco Inc. to replace a portion of the roof of Juanita K. Hammons Hall, at a cost of $257,989.

The replacement is needed due to storm damage that occurred in fall 2012. The renovation would replace the roofing over the stage and southeast lobby, according to the agenda.

Hammons HVAC
The board of governors approved the low bid for replacement of the pool HVAC system at Hammons Student Center.

Springfield-based Gold Mechanical Inc. submitted the lowest bid of $418,970, the agenda said.

The project would replace an existing roof-mounted electric heating and ventilating unit that has reached the end of its life cycle.

Carrington suites
The governing board approved a proposal to renovate two suites in Carrington Hall, an administrative building on the MSU campus.

Submitting a low bid of $145,600, Springfield Mechanical Services Inc. has been contracted to renovate the suites to better accommodate the university's Division of Diversity and Inclusion.

McDonald Arena consultant
The MSU Board of Governors yesterday voted to commission a study to determine if a replacement of the HVAC system at McDonald Arena is needed.

The study is set to be performed for $67,560 by St. Louis-based Ross & Baruzzini Inc.

The study would provided a prioritized list needed changes, as well as cost estimates for each system replacement.

Welcome Center architect
The board gave approval for the university to pay Dake-Wells Architecture $30,000 to design a roughly $3 million welcome center at the corner of Monroe Street and National Avenue.

The welcome center is meant to serve as a "21st century signature piece of architecture" and would mark the gateway for first-time visitors to the campus, according to the agenda.[[In-content Ad]]