BOT Approves Residence Hall and Chiller Budget Increases

Date: 10/27/06
Contact: Kathy Beal

Illinois State University's Board of Trustees today approved budget increases for two campus projects.

Due to the market adjustments in the cost and availability of construction materials since Hurricane Katrina and the expansion of construction outside the United States, the anticipated construction costs have risen for the East Campus Residence Hall Complex improvement and the Northwest Zone Chiller Plant. The Board had already approved a $25 million budget for east campus and a $6.5 million budget for the northwest chiller, but the market costs call for an increase of $6 million for East Campus and $2 million for the chiller.

The East Campus Residence Complex improvement will replace, rehab or upgrade all the major building systems and address deficiencies in electrical, lighting and plumbing systems. The current $25 million budget will not fund some critical objectives, including replacement of all exterior windows, reconfiguration of student bathrooms, creation of some semi-private living suites, extension of the elevator to the 18th floor of each tower, update of staff apartments and relocation of the current loading dock area to accommodate the new entrance to the complex.

University Housing, Facilities and the Comptroller's staff have identified options for altering the project and methods for additional funding. Repair and Replacement reserve funds will allow funding of the budget increase without impacting debt financing in the overall Long-Range Housing and Dining Plan. Bidding will likely take place in the spring, with construction beginning after spring Commencement.

The Northwest Zone Chiller will provide chilled water to the buildings in the northwest zone of the campus, including West Campus Residence Hall Complex, Turner Hall, Horton, Nelson Smith and some of Redbird Arena. The budget is no longer adequate for the chiller plant, mechanical equipment, piping and underground distribution network. Bidding will take place this fall for construction and completion of the chiller in 2007.