Convocation Center Disappointment

Post by **ZiggyZoomba** » Thu Dec 06, 2007 1:30 pm

Really disappointed in the decision the University made yesterday to choose URS (Columbus) and Rossetti (Detroit) as the partners for the design and construction of the new convocation center.

Poggemeyer Design Group from Bowling Green, in partnership with Elerbee-Beckett was not chosen. This news on the day I watched a PowerPoint given by the VP of my Division at BGSU talking about how the University was going to work harder to support the local economy.

I'm sure we'll end up with a great arena... however, I'm a little concerned it won't be as great as it could have been with local people who KNOW BGSU, tailgate at BGSU, have been and are BGSU season ticket holders, and GRADUATED from BGSU working on the project and LIVING with the completed project in their backyard instead of returning to their big cities when all is said and done...

hammb · Post by **hammb** » Thu Dec 06, 2007 1:42 pm

That is disappointing. I was with you in that I thought it would be really cool to have a local group like Poggemeyer with all their BGSU connections building the facility.

The Niz · Post by **The Niz** » Thu Dec 06, 2007 1:45 pm

Is there any news on this decision posted yet? PDG must have been VERY on top of their game if the University chose them over its own graduates. I really wish I could see what was presented to the big guys.

tiznow · Post by **tiznow** » Thu Dec 06, 2007 2:01 pm

That is too bad that a local frim was not selected. Was their bid significantly less?

Redwingtom · Post by **Redwingtom** » Thu Dec 06, 2007 2:39 pm

I know that when I used to audit school districts (governmental accounting) they were required to accept the lowest bid on projects over a certain dollar amount. Unless there is some sort of exception in place for local firms the Universities hands were probably tied. At least I hope that was the case.

factman · Post by **factman** » Thu Dec 06, 2007 3:20 pm

This is no different than than BG and especially the athletic department farming out a lot of business away from local businesses, and this practice has gotten worse in the past few years. There are MANY small business owners in and around BG that will be more than willing to give you an ear full about dealing with or trying to deal with the university and especially the athletic department. They want, want , want, but don'ty want to give anything in return.

Peregrinner · Post by **Peregrinner** » Thu Dec 06, 2007 4:32 pm

factman wrote:This is no different than than BG and especially the athletic department farming out a lot of business away from local businesses, and this practice has gotten worse in the past few years. There are MANY small business owners in and around BG that will be more than willing to give you an ear full about dealing with or trying to deal with the university and especially the athletic department. They want, want , want, but don'ty want to give anything in return.

I worked in the (now gone) coffee shop at Chily's Convenience Store on campus. We used Grounds for Thought beans for the coffee. This was right before $tarbuck$ took over. I got the full talk from the Grounds for Thought people about how crappy it was for the U to ditch them for the evil giant. Now I make it a point to go to GFT at least once a week and make sure to direct people there.

It's the Journey... · Post by **It's the Journey...** » Thu Dec 06, 2007 4:43 pm

Follow the source and you will find out exactly WHO wanted Starbucks. This person is not someone I want representing BGSU. They only bring shame to the institution.

BGFalconfromCincy · Post by **BGFalconfromCincy** » Thu Dec 06, 2007 6:02 pm

It's the Journey... wrote:Follow the source and you will find out exactly WHO wanted Starbucks. This person is not someone I want representing BGSU. They only bring shame to the institution.

tekekini????????????

sorry couldn't resist

Metz · Post by **Metz** » Thu Dec 06, 2007 7:14 pm

Even the Buehrer Group in Maumee has done some stuff on campus and could have been another option! They do a majority of school buildings, but I know for a fact that can do other structures as well.

jacojdm · Post by **jacojdm** » Thu Dec 06, 2007 7:37 pm

Peregrinner wrote:I got the full talk from the Grounds for Thought people about how crappy it was for the U to ditch them for the evil giant. Now I make it a point to go to GFT at least once a week and make sure to direct people there.

Grounds for Thought makes better coffee than Starbucks.

jpfalcon09 · Post by **jpfalcon09** » Thu Dec 06, 2007 7:47 pm

All you can hope is that outside influences can help sway some design aspects. I too am disappointed that they didn't pick someone local.

h2oville rocket · Post by **h2oville rocket** » Thu Dec 06, 2007 8:11 pm

BGFalconfromCincy wrote:
It's the Journey... wrote:Follow the source and you will find out exactly WHO wanted Starbucks. This person is not someone I want representing BGSU. They only bring shame to the institution.
tekekini????????????

sorry couldn't resist

You're kidding , but it makes perfect sense. Biggest front-runner there is, goes with the giant conglomerate over the little guy even though he himself is really a little guy....hmmmm. Nah, he wouldn't have the juice to make the deal. Just kidding, Teke- you've come a long way.

Metz · Post by **Metz** » Thu Dec 06, 2007 11:13 pm

As long as the seats aren't like professional arenas of any sport where if you are larger than average you don't fit, I'll be happy with the place!! Building things purely for money from more seats will definitely lead to some pissed off fans!

redskins4ever · Post by **redskins4ever** » Thu Dec 06, 2007 11:47 pm

Im pretty sure starbucks have conflict coffee beans... those dirty bastards!