VCU at large
From the new, steel-framed business and engineering buildings to high-tech dental simulation and mannequin labs, VCU is spending more than half-a-billion dollars on assorted construction projects. While these renovations and expansions range in status from already completed to expected completion in 2009, their combined price tag is robust, approximately equivalent to one-third of VCU’s annual budget.
From the new, steel-framed business and engineering buildings to high-tech dental simulation and mannequin labs, VCU is spending more than half-a-billion dollars on assorted construction projects. While these renovations and expansions range in status from already completed to expected completion in 2009, their combined price tag is robust, approximately equivalent to one-third of VCU’s annual budget.
The reasons for undertaking the 18 ventures vary. Construction of a 400-bed residence hall southeast of Monroe Park, for example, will accommodate the ever-growing ranks of incoming freshmen. Updating the ventilation systems that feed into Sanger Hall’s research laboratories will hopefully eliminate its air-pollution problems associated with old air ducts and crumbling insulation. Renovating the VCU Police station on West Grace Street will free up enough office space to consolidate its currently scattered police force under one roof. A $192 million, 15-floor building and addition to Main Hospital will create 279 new private rooms for patients.
While the specifics of each differ, all of these projects remain united in their efforts to deal with VCU’s continued growth. Turn to pages 12-13 for a pullout illustrating each project at a glance.
Construction:
1. Hibbs Building
WHAT: The interior was gutted for newly renovated classrooms, offices and related support space. Electrical systems, plumbing, lights, floors and walls were replaced, and new audio/visual equipment was installed.
WHY: The 45-year-old building had antiquated and failing systems in need of fixing. Additionally, the classrooms did not meet modern teaching standards.
BUDGET: $10,622,000
SIZE: 96,200 square feet
WHEN: Complete.
2. School of Business/School of Engineering
WHAT: A four-story building to house the School of Business and the School of Engineering Phase II. Steel erection, concrete, mechanical and block work are underway.
WHY: To give the School of Business its own building for the first time, advance the School of Engineering’s expansion and couple the two disciplines for future overlap in course work.
BUDGET: $84,200,000
SIZE: 260,000 square feet
WHEN: Completion scheduled for fall 2007. Ready for classes January 2008.
3. VCU Police Station
WHAT: Renovation of 938-944 West Grace Street, entailing the conversion of extra space into offices.
WHY: To consolidate all of VCU Police into one building.
BUDGET: $950,000
SIZE: 15,249 square feet
WHEN: Completion scheduled for December 2006.
4. Franklin Terrace
WHAT: Renovation of the Franklin Street building for continued use by the Art Foundation Program and the installation of central cooling in the 1930s structure.
WHY: To preserve the historic building while improving the comfortableness of its learning environment.
BUDGET: $3,660,000
SIZE: 30,700 square feet
WHEN: Construction will begin in October. Completion scheduled for August 2007.
5. James Black Music Center
WHAT: Demolition and reconstruction of the old addition to the James Black Music Center, which will level nine stories into three. The church will remain intact.
WHY: To better accommodate the Department of Music.
BUDGET: $4,157,000
SIZE: Renovation – 9,000 square feet. Addition – 14,000 square feet
WHEN: Construction will begin October 2006. Completion scheduled for August 2007.
6. Parking Deck and Residential College
WHAT: An 800-space underground parking deck with retail space above and a 400-bed student housing facility on top. Students in campus housing and faculty in the new business and engineering schools will have access to the spaces.
WHY: To meet the growing housing needs of incoming freshmen and increase parking for commuting students, faculty and staff.
BUDGET: $54,142,000
SIZE: 540,000 square feet
WHEN: Parking deck completion scheduled for November 2007. Student housing completion scheduled for August 2008.
Planning:
7. Life/fire-safety upgrades
WHAT: Pressurization of the stair towers in Sanger Hall and the addition of a sprinkler system in the Pollak Building.
WHY: To increase fire safety in old buildings predating modern fire protection technology.
BUDGET: $1,076,933
WHEN: Installation of sprinklers will begin November 2006. Completion scheduled for summer 2007, probably July.
8. Cary Street Recreation Complex
WHAT: Renovation of Cary Street Gym to include a new swimming pool, indoor basketball courts, a climbing wall and caf
