Purdue approves improvements to fitness center, library, chiller plant
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - The Purdue University Board of Trustees has approved renovations to a fitness center and business library and approved completion of a chiller plant and construction of an agricultural engineering building.
The trustees on Tuesday (May 17) approved awarding a $14 million construction contract to Kettlehut Construction Inc. of Lafayette, Ind., to paint, install flooring and make other interior improvements throughout the Student Fitness and Wellness Center. This phase is part of the $98 million renovation of the old Recreational Sports Center. The construction uses no state or university funds and will be paid for with student user fees.
On Monday (May 16) the trustees' Physical Facilities Committee approved awarding a $1.3 million construction contract for the renovation of a Krannert School of Management library to J.R. Kelley Co. Inc. of Lafayette, Ind. The trustees also approved naming the library the Roland G. Parrish Management and Economics Library. Gifts will completely fund the project.
"This renovation will convert the current space into a state-of-the-art business library that enhances collaboration, study and literacy instruction," said Jerry Lynch, Krannert's interim dean.
The committee also approved awarding a $3.2 million construction contract to Myers Construction Management of Fishers, Ind., to build the ADM Agricultural Innovation Center. The center will house shop and high-bay space for both the Central Machine Shop and agricultural and biological engineering. The facility also will include labs, classrooms, storage, and precision machining and fabrication services to support research in agriculture, engineering, science, technology and veterinary medicine.
It replaces a facility lost to highway construction. The project is being financed with $495,000 in INDOT right-of-way acquisition funds with the remainder covered by a nearly even split between departmental and gift funds.
The committee also approved a request to install a 2700-ton chiller in the Northwest Chiller Plant to accommodate the increasing demand for chilled water cooling because of campus expansion. The $2.9 million project will bring the satellite plant to full capacity. Infrastructure reserve funds will pay for the project.
Writer: Jim Schenke, 765-494-6262, jschenke@purdue.edu
Sources: Robert McMains, vice president for physical facilities, 765-494-8000, remcmains@purdue.edu
Jerry Lynch, 765-494-4388, lynch@purdue.edu