Trustees award contract to construct agricultural research center
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - The Purdue University board of trustees agreed Friday (Nov. 10) to award the construction contract for the Beck Agricultural Center at the Purdue Agronomy Center for Research and Education.
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In other action, the board also increased the funding authorization for the Beck Center and approved the naming of a new building being planned for the Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management. The physical facilities committee also awarded several construction contracts, including the renovation of a lounge in Hicks Undergraduate Library, a laboratory in the Civil Engineering Building and an animal surgical suite in Lynn Hall.
The Beck Center will provide space for classes, meetings and hands-on demonstrations at the agronomy farm. More than 8,000 people annually attend workshops and training programs at the farm in addition to the 5,000 elementary and high school students and teachers who come for classes.
"The need for this type of facility is pressing as agriculture adapts to new technologies and pushes production beyond current limits," said Randy Woodson, Glenn W. Sample Dean of Agriculture. "We have a tremendous opportunity to have an immediate, positive impact on the agronomic needs across the state of Indiana."
The Hamstra Group Inc. of Wheatfield, Ind., will build the $5.2 million center that will include flexible classroom space and an equipment demonstration area. The space will be used to share research findings with business, government and academic representatives. Internet and remote broadcasting capabilities will facilitate distance education.
The board authorized an additional $1.1 million in funding for the center to cover increased costs of stabilizing soil, adding fire suppression sprinklers throughout the facility, enhancing the exterior appearance and an increase in construction costs industrywide. Private gifts totaling $3.7 million will be used for the project with the remainder coming from departmental funds and endowment income.
The board also approved naming the new planned Hospitality and Tourism Management Building in honor of the founders of what became Marriott International Inc., of one of the world's largest hotel, restaurant and food services companies.
"The new Marriott Hall will improve the learning environment for our students and upgrade research facilities for our faculty," said department head Ray Kavanaugh. "We are very grateful to the Marriott Foundation for its vision and support as we train students for careers with industry leaders."
The J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation gave a $4 million gift in October for the $12 million building. The top-ranked Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management is currently housed in Stone Hall.
The new facility will include a restaurant demonstration classroom, new classrooms and laboratories, career and student services areas, reception space, and an expanded area for high-quantity food production.
On Thursday (Nov. 9) the board's Physical Facilities Committee approved a request to plan, finance and construct the $690,000 renovation of a 24-hour study lounge in the Hicks Undergraduate Library. The contract was awarded to Mattcon General Contractors Inc. of Zionsville, Ind. Gift and departmental funds will pay for the project.
The nearly 4,000-square-foot room will include modern study space with a flexible layout. Vending machines will be removed, and a coffee kiosk operated by the Purdue Memorial Union will be installed. A new entrance to the periodical room will be constructed to better integrate the room with the rest of the library.
"The goal is to create a relaxing, enjoyable, casual study atmosphere for students, even during overnight hours when the rest of the library is closed," said James L. Mullins, dean of libraries.
The committee also took the following actions:
• Awarded a contract to J.R. Kelly Co. Inc. of Lafayette, Ind., to renovate an animal surgical suite in Lynn Hall to create separate surgical areas that comply with accreditation standards. The committee authorized an increase of $106,000 to bring the project budget to $744,000.
• Awarded a contract to J.R. Kelly to create two new labs and two new offices inside the Civil Engineering Building. The $669,200 project includes new lab benches, lights, fume hoods, and improved utilities and air supply management systems.
• Awarded a contract to Huston Electric Inc. of Lafayette, Ind., to improve electrical distribution services to Stone Hall. The $560,000 project will install new equipment to increase voltage capacity fivefold. The project will be paid for by bonds issued in 2005.
The committee decided to reject bids that came in above an estimate for the $1.6 million northwest chiller plant's cooling tower expansion. The first phase of the project would increase the plants chilled water production capacity by installing one three-cell cooling tower and necessary piping. The project is necessary to meet a growing need for air-cooling capacity on campus.
A modified project design will be rebid on Jan. 11.
Writer: Jim Schenke, (765) 494-6262, jschenke@purdue.edu
Sources: Randy Woodson, (765) 494-8391, woodson@purdue.edu
James Mullins, (765) 494-2900, jmullins@purdue.edu
Wayne Kjonaas, vice president for physical facilities, (765) 494-8000, wwkjonaas@purdue.edu
Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu
Related Web sites:
Department of Agronomy
IMAGE CAPTION:
The Beck Agricultural Center at the Purdue Agronomy Center for Research and Education is scheduled to be competed in September 2007.
A publication-quality image is available at https://www.purdue.edu/uns/images/+2006/beck-agcenter.jpg
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