Building Commission OKs facility upgrades

Crucial upgrades to UW–Madison facilities and improvements to student health-care services and housing have won state Building Commission approval.

Although much of the attention was focused on the Wisconsin Institute for Discovery, designed to keep Wisconsin in the forefront of science and technology, the 2005-07 capital budget includes other key campus projects.

The commission approved a $56.9 million plan to bring student services and activities under one roof at a redeveloped University Square. Of that amount, $17 million would come from student-segregated fees approved in a 1999 referendum and $39.9 million in general fund- supported borrowing.

The project will bring University Health Services, a new Student Activities Center and student services in the Offices of the Registrar, Bursar and Student Financial Services together in a single site.

“The University Square project enables us to be part of a private-public partnership that will bring all student health care and financial services under one roof, while providing much-needed space for student groups,” says Chancellor John D. Wiley.

Commissioners also approved $37.5 million in general fund-supported borrowing for the renovation of Sterling Hall, to accommodate the astronomy and psychology departments.

The panel also approved these projects, which will be funded with program revenue or gift funds:

• A $6.6 million renovation of Chadbourne Hall.
• The $31 million renovation and addition to the Education Building, plus $1.5 million in general fund-supported borrowing.
• A $33 million addition to the Elvehjem Museum of Art.
• The renovation of the Engineering Student Learning Center, expected to cost $538,000.
• $46.8 million for the development of a Park Street residence hall and a parking ramp.
• An $8.5 million addition to the Wisconsin National Primate Research Center.
• $15 million for roads and utilities in University Research Park II on Madison’s west side.
• Renovation of the Waisman Center, expected to cost $6 million.
• $4.5 million to build a research facility at the Kegonsa Research Campus to fabricate digital optical modules for the “Ice Cube” high-energy physics observatory being built at the South Pole.