Saturday, November 14, 2015

November 2015 Regents Report

Today@Sam has their report on the quarterly meeting of the Texas State University System Board of Regents:
  • Approve design development documents for the Bernard G. Johnson Coliseum renovation project.
  • Change the name of the Industrial Technology Building to the Harry L. Westmoreland Engineering Technology Laboratory, as outlined in the Fredrick L. Pirkle Facility Naming Agreement.

The planning and construction executive summary also provides the following news:

A. Project Planning & Programming

1. North Residential District and Parking Structure
Programming began on the Phase 2 of the North Residential District for the additional beds needed per the Master Plan Update 2012. It will include another residence hall on the north side for 600 beds with both single and shared units. The 500 car parking structure project has been relocated to the center of campus immediately west of the Bernard Johnson Coliseum to accommodate more pressing parking requirements and will be removed from this project’s scope.

2. Thomason Building Re-Purpose
The existing occupants will be moving to the new Fred Pirkle Engineering Technology Center currently scheduled to open spring 2017. The programming reconfigures the interior spaces to support conversion from academic to administrative space, as well as renovations to bring this 1952 building up to current building, life-safety and accessibility requirements and to address aging building systems.

3. CMIT/LEMIT/PRC Facility & Infrastructure
Correction Management Institute of Texas (CMIT) and Law Enforcement Management Institute of Texas (LEMIT) are expanding their services to the law enforcement community throughout the state and nation. These activities are located in the George J. Beto Criminal Justice Center (Beto CJC) where Sam Houston State University's Criminal Justice (CJ) academic program is housed. By relocating the non-academic programs off campus, SHSU's Criminal Justice College will be able to expand as anticipated. The Police Research Center (PRC) has been a long-term endeavor to develop a comprehensive police information management system, the Criminal Research, Information Management, and Evaluation System (CRIMES), which also be located in the new facility. Programming was approved in November 2013. The project will be located north of main campus on 78 acres which were transferred by Texas Department Criminal Justice to TSUS for the use of Sam Houston State University in the 83rd Legislative Session. This parcel has been master planned with
this project being part of the first phase.

4. Gibbs Ranch Equine Arena
The project was previously included in the FY2014-2019 CIP as Gibbs Ranch Ag Arena. Due to the specialized need for program specific functionality the project was separated from the existing Capital Improvements Program project. The new facility will support the academic growth in equestrian and animal sciences, as the Department of Agricultural and Industrial Sciences continues to set enrollment records. Equine Science is one of the more rapidly growing areas and currently serves as an optional minor for students. Programming was approved in June 2014 and this project is part of the Capital Campaign for funding.

5) Gibbs Ranch Plant Science Field Lab
The project is envisioned as a replacement facility for the existing Horticulture operations currently at the I-45 Ag Complex, and provides opportunity for growth of departmental capabilities to better serve students. It consolidates greenhouses, shared classroom/research lab space, and a series of gardens and exterior amenities totaling 8,500 gross square feet and 7,500 square feet respectively. The architectural program was approved in April 2012 and the project is awaiting funding.

6. I-45 Recreational Complex
This project originally combined athletics and recreational sports into the existing Agriculture campus and Holleman field areas; however, budget estimates did not align with University projected budgets. Therefore, the programming restarted with only the recreational components included and the project is being reprogrammed in phases. Programming was approved in August 2013 and is being used to support the Capital Campaign. The project is on hold pending funding.

7. Lowman Student Center Expansion
Programming began on June 22, 2012 to expand and selectively renovate the Lowman Student Center to expand the services and activities that support student life. The expansion is planned to be located on the Smith-Kirkley Hall site. The October 2012 student referendum vote was successful for this project. Programming is complete and was approved in January 2013. The Feasibility study is complete and approved. Solicitations for design and contractor will be submitted November, 2015.

8. The Woodlands Center Level 4 Nursing Build out, Phase 2
Construction of Phase 1 (Simulation Lab, Skills Lab, home health learning and office suite) was complete in December 2014. Phase 2 will include a second Skills Lab and office space, and is pending additional funding.

B. Design/Construction Document Phase

9. Bernard Johnson Coliseum Renovation
Extensive mechanical, electrical, plumbing renovation is needed as the original systems are still in place. Locker room and restroom improvements along with replacement and addition of retractable seats and life safety compliance concerns are being addressed through this project scope. Design Development documents are on the November Board of Regents agenda for approval. Completion: November 2016.

10. Biology Laboratory Building
The building will be funded by a Tuition Revenue Bond, and is proposed to include biology laboratories, with instructional, research and administrative areas for Biology. The building is proposed to contain approximately 83,000 gross square feet. Design is currently underway. Est. Completion: 2018.

C. Construction Phase

11. South Dining
This 29,000 gross square foot food service/dining facility is located adjacent to the existing South Paw dining as an enhancement to support the south food service capacity. The existing bakery and food service offices will be moved from the Belvin basement to the new facility. The expansion is located over an existing parking lot. Board approval of the project was granted at a Called Meeting on April 6, 2015. Notice to Proceed for construction was issued July 1, 2015. Demolition of the existing Art G Building and construction are underway. Completion: August 2016

12. South Residence Complex
The project includes construction of a Living & Learning Community including 700 bed residence halls of approximately 233,000 gross square feet each. Large open green spaces and pedestrian walkways will provide ample access in both directions. The project will include a chiller plant and associated infrastructure to support the residence halls. The project is intended to create the south residential district of the Sam Houston campus. Design Development Documents were approved by the Board of Regents in November 2014. An “early release” design package was solicited in December. The initial Guaranteed Maximum Price proposal was rejected as too costly, and the contract with the initial Construction Manager-at-Risk was terminated. SpawGlass was selected as the new Construction-Manager-at-Risk. A Notice to Proceed for Construction was issued on July 6, 2015. Construction is underway with 30% of the foundations complete. Est. Completion: August 2017.

13. Fred Pirkle Engineering Technology Center
This 53,000 gross square foot facility provides an emphasis on specialized instructional capabilities for a mix of engineering technology labs (e.g., prototype production/innovation, electrical, environmental design / sustainability, “solar” outdoor
terrace) and agricultural science instruction labs (e.g., wildlife/physiology, animal science research). Distributed gathering spaces with exhibits from the works of Fred Pirkle and a showcasing of the technologies being taught in the facility will be interwoven throughout the facility. Design Development Documents were approved at the February 2015 Board of Regents Meeting. The Groundbreaking ceremony was held on June 12, 2015 and a Notice to Proceed for Construction was issued on June 15, 2015. Construction is underway with the first floor slab on grade and perimeter foundation walls being complete. Est. Completion: November 2016.

14. South District Parking & Related Infrastructure
This project includes construction of 421 parking spaces, concrete surface sidewalks, the 22nd Street extension between Avenue J and Avenue I, and underground storm water detention facilities. It will be located on the site of the recently purchased Richmond Apartments and adjacent parking lots. Design Development documents were approved by the Chancellor pursuant to authority delegated by the Board of Regents in May 2014. A Notice to Proceed for construction was issued in October 2014. The project is 100% complete, except for completion of minor punchlist items, and the parking lot is in use. Est. Completion: Summer 2015.

15. Student Health and Counseling Center
The new 29,000 square foot center houses both the University’s physical health and mental health services. The project is located next to Old Main Market where former King Hall was situated. The Design Development package and project cost were approved at the August 2013 Board of Regents meeting. Construction began on October 14, 2013 with an interior substantial completion issued August 22, 2014. The Physical Health Clinic has reported an increase of 49% and Counseling reported an 8% increase in student use. Close-out is in process. Ext. Completion: August 2014.

16. Sciences Annex (formerly known as Sycamore Vivarium)
Design kick-off started on September 29, 2013 for the Vivarium project, which includes four animal holding rooms, housing primarily for rodents, and associated support areas, including a Procedure Room located at the recently purchased property at 1614 Sycamore Avenue. The project will allow the University to relocate this operation into a suitable facility. Construction began on June 9, 2014. Substantial Completion was accomplished on December 12, 2014. Project close-out is in process. Completion: December 2014.

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