University News
IBHE Approves Linc-Wash Renovations; Hanson Field Scoreboard, Turf Projects
April 13, 2011
MACOMB, IL -- The Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE) has approved Western Illinois University's projects request to renovate the Lincoln-Washington halls' restrooms and to install artificial turf and a new scoreboard at Hanson Field.
Western's Board of Trustees recently approved the non-instructional capital projects at its March 25 meeting at a cost not to exceed $5.5 million (Lincoln-Washington) and $1.3 million (scoreboard and turf).
The project in Lincoln Hall consists of renovating 26 community restrooms serving 13 residential floors. The bathrooms are original to the buildings, which were constructed in 1963, and contain original fixtures, finishes, piping and mechanical systems. The project also includes the replacement of all original plumbing systems, complete renovation of bathrooms, replacement of ventilation systems and remodeling the student lounge area. The project includes the replacement of 160 toilet fixtures, 156 showers and 156 lavatories, while inefficient toilet fixtures, faucets, and shower heads will be replaced with low flow and environmentally conscious alternatives.
According to Garry Johnson, vice president for student services, the renovated bathrooms will provide more reliable and energy efficient water and electrical systems, as well as improve the overall living environment for the residents by providing increased privacy and wheelchair accessibility. The project also will replace and/or modify ventilation systems for the center core of the building, which will help control humidity and air quality in the bathroom areas.
The University will use Auxiliary Facilities System Reserve Funds held for building repairs to fund the project. The renovations will take place during academic breaks in 2011 and 2012 to permit continuous occupancy throughout the fall and spring semesters, with a completion deadline of August 2012.
The Hanson Field artifical turf and scoreboard project will begin following the end of the Spring 2011 semester and be completed prior to August 2011.
Johnson noted that the installation of an artificial/synthetic surface on Hanson Field will enhance usage opportunities for intercollegiate athletics programs, intramural sports programs and other student activities. The new scoreboard will feature a video display board with replay capabilities, along with pre-programmed advertisements and game day interactive fan media elements.
The turf project will include removing the existing grass surface and substrate, installing a gravel sub base to improved drainage and layering with a top compacted crushed stone base. The synthetic carpet system will consist of artificial thatch in-filled with a rubber/sand mixture to provide cushioning for athletes. The new artificial surface on Hanson Field will cover approximately 82,500 square feet and will provide 12-month usage opportunities for intercollegiate athletics programs, intramural sports programs, marching band and other student activities.
The structural supports from the existing scoreboard will be reused and a new scoreboard with both video and football score functions will be installed. The video portion of the scoreboard will be connected to the press box to allow for full replay capabilities. Broadcasting students will run the video portion of the scoreboard during games, which provides the students with hands-on experience related to their coursework. The video portions of the scoreboard will also be fully programmable, allowing track and field the capability to post lane assignments and race results.
Facility Enhancement Fee revenues will be used to support the scoreboard and artificial turf projects, although no fee increase is needed to fund the project.
Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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