Updates to improvements around campus

[vatusay]

Engineers live in a theoretical world. Contractors live in a realist world. Not surprising the bid is over engineers estimate, especially on a job like this one that involves many uncertainties.

[WIU0812]

Looks like the Performing Arts Center bids out tomorrow @ 2 PM. Will be interesting to see what the bids come in at, though we may not know for a while unless someone is at the opening and reports it.

[WIU0812]

They have placed out a notice and are taking bids to demo the Cinema building. This will be bid out on 3/17/15 @ 2 PM.

http://www.procure.stateuniv.state.il.u ... PN=R051584

Not sure if they are going to remove the old pavement or not, but things are getting better so hopefully this is heading towards a complete redo of that area, whether that involves the new welcome center or just a natural prairie area as a buffer on the way in still remains to be seen.

[Neckfansince71]

812, the facilities management Winter Newsletter listed the demo of the cinema and the reconstruction of the Sherman Hall tower as projects being let out to bid. The cinema bid is only for the structure demo and does not include surrounding area. jc

[ST_Lawson]

They have placed out a notice and are taking bids to demo the Cinema building. This will be bid out on 3/17/15 @ 2 PM.

http://www.procure.stateuniv.state.il.u ... PN=R051584

Not sure if they are going to remove the old pavement or not, but things are getting better so hopefully this is heading towards a complete redo of that area, whether that involves the new welcome center or just a natural prairie area as a buffer on the way in still remains to be seen.

I'd imagine that they'll do what they did with the old Godfather's Pizza building...tear it down and just pave over the spot where it was. Currently the university is using the large parking area there for "storage" of snow as well as additional parking for equipment and stuff. I don't see them doing anything different until they have the money to build the welcome center.

EDIT - yes, that is what they're doing. Here's the bid proposal drawings: https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/128 ... awings.pdf
Note 7 on the second page says "No removal or restoration of any paving is required".
Also, for those that are into this sort of thing, here's the 46-page bid specifications document: https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/128 ... 4specs.pdf

[ST_Lawson]

812, the facilities management Winter Newsletter listed the demo of the cinema and the reconstruction of the Sherman Hall tower as projects being let out to bid. The cinema bid is only for the structure demo and does not include surrounding area. jc

Here's the previously mentioned Winter Newsletter, for those who are interested: http://www.wiu.edu/vpas/fm/_documents/Winter%202015.pdf

[WIU0812]

Good to know, thanks! Did the Master Plan team end up having their meeting in February?

[ST_Lawson]

Just posted the most recent Master Plan Team presentation to the site: http://www.wiu.edu/vpas/fm/master_plan_team.php
The meeting was March 10th.

Here's a direct link to the pdf: http://www.wiu.edu/vpas/fm/_documents/m ... 0-2015.pdf

No huge surprises for the most part, but there were a few things that look like they were discussed:
Bike repair stations - place to hold up your bike to work on it with some standard attached tools
Powersol - umbrella table with solar panels on it that connect to charging ports
First round of Q-lot renovations - previously discussed...closing of current west "Western Hall" entrance, opening/widening of entrance in the middle.
More info about historical markers
Center for Performing Arts timeline update - bids received 3/19, expected construction beginning late June/early July
Vehicle charging station for q-lot, classroom upgrades, improved wireless access in a few academic buildings, cinema building demo over summer, Sherman Hall Hall cupola repair over summer.

Next scheduled meeting will be April 23rd.

[ST_Lawson]

Oh, and I noticed the other day that they're putting up new lighting along West Murray St./CT Vivian Way. Dark poles, has posts for the small purple and gold "Block W" flags that you've seen (if you've been back to campus in the last year) along University Drive.

[vatusay]

The umbrella idea is great, wish i had thought of it.

The bike repair station kind of, "meh" to me. Doubt the tools last long.