ISU seeks $18.4M for renovation of Dreiser Hall

Thursday, September 6, 2018 - 10:59

Indiana State University is seeking $18.4 million in state funding to renovate Dreiser Hall as part of its 2019-21 biennial capital budget request.

The ISU board of trustees approved the request during a one-item agenda meeting Friday afternoon, which was conducted as part of the board's annual retreat.

Renovation of Dreiser Hall is needed "to replace obsolete mechanical and electrical systems, improve accessibility in compliance with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act, repair exterior building components and enhance learning."

The building has  limited accessibility for those with disabilities, said Diann McKee, ISU senior vice president for finance and administration. "It is very much in need of renovation in order that we can provide a better facility to all who use that building," she said. 

The academic building is one of four identified in the 2016 campus master plan as needing renovation, she said. Dreiser, built in 1950, still has original mechanical systems that are at the end of their useful life. Another goal is to create spaces where students can have break out sessions and small group interaction.

The recommendation would be the second phase of renovations to academic classroom facilities; the first phase is  the Fine Arts building, which is already funded and underway and scheduled to be completed next summer.

The university is also requesting a 2.5 percent increase from the 2018-19 levels for three line-item appropriations: Degree Link [$457,600], the nursing program [$209,100] and the Indiana Principal Leadership Institute [$615,000]

Dreiser Hall provides classroom space for communication classes and services, Student Media and a 255-seat theater. Several distance education classrooms are also located in the building.

The capital budget request is due to the Indiana Commission for Higher Education and the State Budget Agency by Sept. 10.

The next scheduled board of trustees meeting is Oct. 12.

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