As summer construction projects wind down, new projects ramp up
Sook Center is almost finished; Shively has new look but same food
[dropcap txtcolor="#234a83" style="dropcap1"]W[/dropcap]ith major renovations and new-build projects coming to completion this summer and into fall semester, Ohio University students return to a familiar — but different — campus. High tech half-court: The Convocation Center installed a new videoboard over the summer to “enhance the fan experience and entertainment value,” Ohio Director of Athletics Jim Schaus said in a press release.The four-sided display costed Ohio U nearly $2 million. Sook Center rushes for the end zone: The Perry and Sandy Sook Academic Center, located at the north end of Peden Stadium, is wrapping up construction. The study and support space built for the school’s more than 400 student athletes ran a cost of $6 million dollars; a third of the costs were offset by a gift from the prominent alumni, the Sook family.[AdSense-A}Shively gets a facelift, but not its food: Shively Dining Hall received a cosmetic transformation over the summer. The almost $2 million project modified and cut food stations, rearranged seating, and upgraded fixtures — notably the loss of subs from Grab ‘N Go, which is now home to Fuego. Shively was last renovated in 2009, which cost $10.4 million according to the Athens News. Slated for sustainability: Flanking Ohio U’s iconic College Green is the century-old Ellis Hall, which has been out of commission for the past year. The building is undergoing major renovations, focusing on President Duane Nellis’ commitment to sustainability. The $13 million rehab is the first Ellis has seen in 56 years. Other Notable Undertakings: Perkins Hall underwent roof rehabilitation, finishing in July and costing $1.4 million.
- Park Place’s electrical feed was replaced, costing $250,000.
- Cutler Hall received a $350,000 high voltage upgrade.
- Washington Hall is being renovated; according to records, the domestic water and restrooms were completed for $3.2 million.
While marvelling at the swanky, new facilities across campus, watch for cranes, holes, fences, and other construction epithets, as new projects have already been booked for the 2019 school year — and years ahead. Down with the South: Smith, Atkinson, Armbruster, and Weld Houses are set for demolition beginning in fall 2019; the project will cost $3 million. Konneker Kettle: Ridges Building 25’s — or the Konneker Research Laboratories — heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) unit and boiler system is getting a $5 million upgrade expected to begin in fall of 2020. Is it humid? Or is it just steamy?: Construction on the campus steam system repair is set for fall of 2019 and will cost approximately $1.5 million.
