CLARION – Clarion University’s building renaissance could continue for many years if funding is received for capital projects approved by the Trustees at its regular meeting, including a $26.4 million renovation and expansion of Tippin Gymnasium and Natatorium and a $26.2 million renovation and expansion of Marwick Boyd Fine Arts Center.
“Approval of these items does not signify funding approval,” cautioned Paul Bylaska, vice president for finance and administration. The Capital Programs are submitted to the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education for funding through its capital projects budget. Capital projects for all 14 System universities are considered in the budget funding through appropriations from the Commonwealth.
Five construction projects are already in progress at Clarion University, although the Commonwealth is funding only the new Science and Technology Center. The other projects include a new dining center, two student suite residence halls, and the Biotechnology Business Development Center at Trinity Point near I-80, exit 62.
Trustees approved the following submissions for Capital Projects, 2009-2010:
Renovate and Expand Tippin Gymnasium & Natatorium, $26.4 Million
Architectural, structural, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing systems in the facility have either reached or exceeded their expected service life and require major renovations. Deterioration of these systems within the natatorium is particularly significant. Virtually all of Tippin’s programmatic facilities are overcrowded, since they were designed for a student body of 3,600. With a current enrollment of over 5,500 students, there is a severe limitation on the availability of the gymnasium floor, the natatorium, locker rooms, and shower space. These facilities operate for 15 to 17 hours daily to partially overcome this space deficit, but course offerings per semester are still severely restricted.
Scope of the project would include a renovation of the existing facility and addition of court areas, locker and shower rooms, supporting facilities, and equipment storage areas.
Renovate and Expand Marwick Boyd Fine Arts Center, $26.2 Million
The Marwick Boyd Fine Arts Center, a facility of approximately 87,000 square feet, was constructed in 1969 and is in need of a life cycle renewal renovation, along with an addition of approximately 8,000 square feet as recommended by the Master Plan to consolidate studio-related arts programs in this building.
Renovate Becker Hall, $14.4 Million
Constructed in 1972, Becker presently serves Mass Media Arts, Journalism and Communication Studies (MMAJCS) and Computer Science programs and possesses its original complement of electrical and environmental systems equipment. It contains five heating, ventilating, and air conditioning systems that have all exceeded their useful service life and can no longer operate efficiently or be maintained economically.
Communications systems within the building are presently operating at their maximum designed capacity, which does not accommodate the facility’s present mission.
Modify Facilities for ADA Compliance, $6.5 Million
This project would correct present deficiencies in the University’s compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) on Clarion’s main campus, its Memorial Stadium, and its Venango campus. Scope of the project would address facility accessibility issues to include but not be limited to appropriate interior and exterior signs, fire alarm and visibility upgrades, elevator modifications, room modifications, and structural modifications to accommodate the University’s students, faculty, administrators, and visitors who are physically challenged.