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"The ongoing work at Schroeder Hall, plus the work that will begin
next spring on Turner and Stevenson halls, will help ISU to remain
competitive in the higher education field and provide a better
environment for teaching and learning," Blagojevich said. "In
addition, the plan to improve the Fine Arts Complex will keep the
university's music, art and theater programs in high demand by
accommodating the newest technologies in these fields."
The Blagojevich administration awarded bids on the $18.7 million
Schroeder Hall rehabilitation project in 2003. The building is once
again in use, with completion scheduled for late 2006. The
building's exterior was replaced, interior finishes were upgraded,
new energy-efficient mechanical systems installed, and a total of 35
classrooms renovated. Schroeder Hall was originally constructed in
1957 and expanded in 1964. The building's infrastructure was beyond
its useful life, and there was a need to create spaces for more
effective, contemporary teaching and learning environments. The
project received a 2006 Pride in Partnership Award from the Capital
Development Board.
On July 19 of this year, Blagojevich announced more than $18
million to fund life-safety improvements at Turner and Stevenson
halls, two of the most-used classroom buildings at Illinois State
University. Bids for the work will be advertised next spring, with
construction set to begin in the summer of 2007. The $18,145,000
state-funded construction project will provide needed upgrades for
the two buildings, including new fire alarm and electrical systems,
sprinklers, compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, and
other fire and safety-related improvements. The current fire and
electrical systems in the two buildings are outdated and require
constant, costly maintenance. With $4 million in state funds already
spent for planning and design, the total project cost is
approximately $22 million.
Adlai E. Stevenson Hall is a 162,180-square-foot, four-story
masonry building constructed in 1968 that houses the College of Arts
and Sciences. Turner Hall is a 97,118-square-foot, two-story
structure built in 1963 that houses the College of Applied Science
and Technology. Classes normally held in the two buildings, as well
as faculty offices and student services, will be moved to other
buildings when construction work begins next summer.
[to top of second column]
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 Last spring, the governor backed a legislative proposal to fund
new capital projects for public universities across the state. The
proposal would have benefited ISU and its plans for an approximately
$44 million improvement to the ISU Fine Arts Complex. The project
replaces several major structures of the Fine Arts Complex and
remodels the remainder of the buildings. The planned new complex
will alleviate overcrowding, replace aging mechanical systems,
consolidate the College of Fine Arts into a single complex and
accommodate the new technologies of today's fine arts programs.
"The Fine Arts Complex rehabilitation will immediately benefit
more than 7,400 students, faculty and visitors to the university,"
said Illinois State President Al Bowman. "As more and more
academically engaged Illinois students make Illinois State their
first-choice institution, I thank Governor Blagojevich for ensuring
they will learn and grow in a high-quality environment."
Blagojevich also reminded ISU students of the benefits of his
Monetary Award Program Plus college financial aid plan. MAP Plus is
a $500 grant to Illinois sophomores, juniors and seniors attending a
qualified school in Illinois, such as ISU. The grants can be used to
help cover the cost of tuition and fees for an estimated 75,000
middle-class students who may not be eligible for traditional state
need-based financial aid programs.
"The state's college financial assistance programs have been
underfunded for too long," Blagojevich said. "My plan restores full
funding for the traditional MAP and adds MAP Plus to help those who
had previously been unable to apply for state help with college
expenses. An estimated 225,000 students will benefit from both
programs."
The estimated cost of MAP Plus is $34.4 million, and funding will
come from the refinancing, sale or restructuring of the state's
student loan assets. The total amount of state and federal funding
available for MAP in the current fiscal year will be $384.8 million,
the largest dollar increase for these vital programs in nearly 18
years.
[News release from the governor's
office] |
