"The Plan" is officially in place

[doughash]

Long-awaited, hotly debated, its now official:

http://bgsufalcons.cstv.com/genrel/120107aaa.html


Dec. 1, 2007

BOWLING GREEN, Ohio - The construction of a new convocation center at Bowling Green State University and the renovation of the BGSU Ice Arena are part of the University's capital project plan. BGSU will initiate approximately $150 million in capital projects on campus over the next several years that will be funded through private gifts bonded debt and state funds.

The projects, all designed to enhance academic programs and student life, include new construction of the Wolfe Center for the Arts and a convocation center. Renovation projects are planned for several signature academic buildings including University, Hanna and Moseley halls, the Ice Arena, Student Health Center and McDonald dining hall. Facility improvement and renovation plans, both short- and long-term, for the residence halls and small group living units are currently being developed.

"Each of these projects will add to the enrichment and quality of student life and learning on campus, as well as provide a positive impact on the community," said Sidney A. Ribeau, BGSU president.

"These projects are important to our continued effort to offer outstanding programs in quality facilities. It is essential that we invest in the structures where our students live, learn and gain valuable life experiences," he added.

The Wolfe Center for the Arts, which is estimated at $38.5 million, is designed as a landmark facility that will showcase diverse aspects of the arts -- one of BGSU's centers of excellence. The facility will be funded by a combination of private dollars and state capital. Classroom and theatre spaces are planned, as well as theatre production areas and digital computer labs. The building, which is to be constructed by late 2010, also will house the Department of Theatre and Film.

Under the leadership of recently hired provost, Dr. Shirley Baugher, the University is reviewing data from a recently completed facilities audit and soon-to-be completed comprehensive strategic planning initiative to assess the priorities for improving and enhancing academic facilities.

"A superior learning experience is a long-standing tradition at BGSU -- from our eminent faculty to the quality of our facilities," said Baugher. "Through this process we will continue to invest in academics. Upgrading classrooms and science laboratories, as well as enhancing the overall learning environment for our students, are top priorities."

The convocation center, a $36 million project, will serve as a venue for men's and women's basketball, volleyball, commencement ceremonies, student concerts and other student-related events. The center, which will be built on the east side of campus near the athletic complex, will be funded by a combination of private donations and bonded debt. Construction is expected to begin in early 2010.

Renovation of the Ice Arena will begin with infrastructure and exterior building improvements during spring semester 2009. Additional funds provided by private gifts will focus on team and fan amenities.

Work on the Student Health Center will ensure holistic healthcare services for students, faculty and staff, offering health and wellness programs, direct services, counseling and disability services, and nutrition counseling. The project will include renovations to the existing building, including improvements to the College of Health and Human Services, as well as an addition to house the combined offices of the health center, counseling and disability services, with construction planned in late 2009.

According to Ed Whipple, vice president for student affairs, residence halls will also be assessed for future projects. "We are examining the master plan and the facilities audit in order to provide the best living and learning environment for current and future students," he said. "Within the next year, we will move ahead with renovations, being mindful of integrating residential upgrades with academic needs."

[Tricky_Falcon]

It'll never happen

[hammb]

Awesome!

[Falconboy]

If that truly happens then maybe by that time we could use the starting of that new facility to help keep Coach Miller here when his contract nears to end in '011. Boy I sure hope this can get done. Its been long over due.

[JoeFalcon]

If that truly happens then maybe by that time we could use the starting of that new facility to help keep Coach Miller here when his contract nears to end in '011. Boy I sure hope this can get done. Its been long over due.

I'm fairly certain we'll speak with Miller about extending his contract before 2010, especially since automatic extentions after every year are the norm these days anyway. Also, Miller has already proven that the quality of the BG community itself and the support of the administration are his motivation for staying, not a specific facility. (Not that it wouldn't be nice)

Greg Christopher, Dr. Ribeau and the Board of Trustees deserve a lot of credit for moving beyond mere chatter and officially formalizing the operations and setting timetables. It's no longer a matter of if, just a matter of when, and I'm extremely excited.

[BleedOrange]

Blah blah blah. Blabity blaabity boolaby boo. Yackity yack yack yah yah yip-yap yip-yap yada yada blismsnort. Biddlemak. Gooberboo. Forkabot. Slockowop. Ginklespinkle blotta-ba-beep. Bullsh!t.

I'll believe that noise when I see the large yellow equipment moving soil.

[BGSU33]

I'm interested in seeing where the exact site of the facility will be. In the master plan it was situated closer to the road on Wooster Street out by the parking lots, but I have also heard talks that it will be closer to the existing facilities such as the football stadium lately. Personally, I’d rather see it built closer to these other facilities than sitting by itself. I think placing it just outside of the south endzone of Perry Stadium with a pedestrian plaza in between would be awesome. By pedestrian plaza, I mean bricked opening/sidewalks, trees, benches, etc. It would not only close out the wide open end of the football stadium, but it would put the new facility closer to the Sebo Center, parking would already be in place, etc.

[Rightupinthere]

Excellent!

I wonder if they have a name?

[Dayons_Den]

I'm interested in seeing where the exact site of the facility will be. In the master plan it was situated closer to the road on Wooster Street out by the parking lots, but I have also heard talks that it will be closer to the existing facilities such as the football stadium lately. Personally, I’d rather see it built closer to these other facilities than sitting by itself. I think placing it just outside of the south endzone of Perry Stadium with a pedestrian plaza in between would be awesome. By pedestrian plaza, I mean bricked opening/sidewalks, trees, benches, etc. It would not only close out the wide open end of the football stadium, but it would put the new facility closer to the Sebo Center, parking would already be in place, etc.

I'd like it to be within view of all the traffic on I-75. Would serve as an excellent advertisement for the school.

[FalconTurf]

I'll be sad to see AA go but I have confidence that the right plan is to go new. I hope it is everything AA is plus a whole lot more.

I love watching building projects. Let's see some plans on the website and get the webcam in place. I like being a website spectator for these Falcon projects.

[Rightupinthere]

I'll be sad to see AA go but I have confidence that the right plan is to go new. I hope it is everything AA is plus a whole lot more.

I love watching building projects. Let's see some plans on the website and get the webcam in place. I like being a website spectator for these Falcon projects.

Couple of things.

1) If this is going to be a multi-use facility (graduations and other events) look for seating in the realm of 5K or so. Also look for some plans for continuity between the house that roars and the house that roars II (with soft seats!)

2) AA is still going to be needed since I'm sure the gymnastics team would like to have that for their home "court". I have heard that the uni wants to move them out of Eppler Center. This plays perfectly into their world (more space and a spot they can truly call home).

I'm just guessing, however.

[BGSU33]

I'll be sad to see AA go but I have confidence that the right plan is to go new. I hope it is everything AA is plus a whole lot more.

I love watching building projects. Let's see some plans on the website and get the webcam in place. I like being a website spectator for these Falcon projects.

I also hope we can incorporate some of the things we all love about Anderson Arena into this new building. I understand it will be a convocation center, but that doesn’t mean it has to be a non-descript facility when used for athletic events. Having the seats as close to the floor no matter how large it will be needs to be a priority. I HIGHLY recommend if the architects and administration physically looks at some new arena projects to incorporate ideas and plans for our – if we can only see one – we must take a look at what they just built down in Charlottesville at the University of Virginia. Now I admit I am slightly bias being I lived and worked there, and I know we aren’t going to build as big of a facility or have as many bells and whistles as UVa has (I'm simply talking about design, layout, attention to detail and not the size, capacity and cost), but this venue is simply amazing!!! What’s more, they built the interior more up than out, which is opposite of say, Perry Stadium where the grade is very gradual and you are farther back but not higher up and closer to the playing field. I have been to many, many football stadiums and basketball arenas across the country over the last decade and the one at Virginia blows the doors off of them all - whether they are old or new. One of UVa’s goals was essentially to build “THE” best facility in the country and I believe they have done it. Established venues like at North Carolina, or recent new ones like Maryland and NC State, they can’t touch it. We need to take a look at this one.

If we’re going to do this project, then let’s do it up right and make it the gem of the MAC. In terms of newer MAC facilities, I like Ball State’s facility. It’s pretty nice. Older facilities like the Convo at Ohio, it’s still pretty decent considering how long it’s been around. But the newer facilities in the MAC like the ones at EMU and NIU, they’re just so non-descript and boring. I’m not even talking about the atmosphere (or lack thereof) for games. Don’t get me wrong, they are nice buildings, but they’re just bland. I do not want to see us go that route. We need a venue with character and it should one of our centerpiece facilities on campus and the planning we implement will be extremely important.

[Tricky_Falcon]

I see that the UVA arena was $129.8 million.

http://fmweb.virginia.edu/fpc/ArenaProj ... roject.htm

[It's the Journey...]

2) AA is still going to be needed since I'm sure the gymnastics team would like to have that for their home "court". I have heard that the uni wants to move them out of Eppler Center. This plays perfectly into their world (more space and a spot they can truly call home).

This is the information I am getting as well. The people in Eppler have wanted this for a LONG time and I am happy that mess will be cleaned up once and for all. However, when gymnastics does move I would hope the department/University will spend what it takes to truly make Anderson Arena a home court for gymnastics and not leave it looking like a hand-me-down. I envision MANY changes to AA when it comes to making a home for BGSU Gymnastics.

[VDub26Falcon]

How do I get tickets for the last basketball game ever at AA??? Are they available yet?