University News
Cooling Towers Moved to Browne, Simpkins
April 27, 2010
MACOMB, IL – Two cooling towers on the Western Illinois University campus will be moved to two new "homes" on the WIU-Macomb campus Wednesday, April 28 due to the closure – and eventual demolition – of their current home.
According to Monte Colley, mechanical engineer III, a joint effort between the University's Physical Plant and University Housing and Dining Services (UHDS) will allow Physical Plant staff to relocate the "like new" equipment from Wetzel Hall to Browne and Simpkins halls to replace the 40+-year-old existing cooling towers, which are no longer economically justified to repair. The Wetzel towers were purchased in 2005.
"If we were in need of purchasing towers for Simpkins and Browne, we could expect to pay at least $100,000 a piece for new cooling towers," Colley noted. "The total cost to relocate these towers and put them to use on two buildings in dire need of new cooling towers is approximately $20,000. Because we are able to re-use existing equipment and rely on the Physical Plant staff to do the majority of the labor, the cost savings is considerable."
The towers, which will be removed from Wetzel, will be moved along University Drive and Western Avenue to Simpkins and Browne halls. During the relocation, which is expected to take only one day, the Browne Hall lot will be closed, as will the small parking lot directly east of Simpkins Hall.
"I'd like to thank Monte Colley, Scott Coker, Matt Bierman and many others who took the initiative to repurpose these cooling towers, particularly during difficult budgetary times," said Jackie Thompson, vice president for administrative services. "As our deferred maintenance list continues to grow, it's essential that we explore all possible avenues to repair or replace our existing equipment and infrastructure."
Posted By: Darcie Shinberger (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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