FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jan. 5, 2007
MUW proceeds with Facilities Master Plan
By Jill D. O’Bryant
COLUMBUS, Miss. -- Mississippi University for
Women’s 20-year Facilities Master Plan, which was
unveiled in 2003, is well under way with
approximately $27.7 million spent on phase one.
Highlights of the three-phase plan include
renovation of existing buildings and construction of
new buildings to support academic programs,
strengthen residential and student life functions,
rationalize the delivery of students services and
establish a strong identity for the Mississippi
School for Mathematics and Science, addressing
parking needs and making changes in landscaping.
Projects completed in phase one include the $5.2
million each renovations of Martin Hall for Nursing
and Cochran Hall for Student Services, repairs to
Peyton and Fant halls for $700,000, high voltage
upgrades for $650,000 and additional security
lighting for $325,000.
Renovations to the Physical Plant Warehouse and
construction of a new Grounds and Automotive
Building for a total of $1.3 million also were
recently completed.
Significant progress in the amount of $12.8 million
has been made on the Emma Ody Pohl Building and the
Marie Charlotte Stark Recreation Center. These
facilities will replace the Emma Ody Pohl Physical
Education Assembly Building, which was destroyed by
a tornado in 2002.
Construction on the $13.5 million projects began in
spring 2005, and the end of January is the date set
for substantial completion. The university expects
to have furniture and equipment delivered and
installed in February.
The renovation of Eckford Hall, an almost $1 million
project, is scheduled to be complete in March. This
facility, conveniently located next to Martin Hall,
will house the university’s Campus Health Center.
Shackelford Warehouse is being renovated for
approximately $800,000. Renovations and additions to
the existing facility will bring it into ADA
compliance. The project includes the addition of an
elevator, stair tower and ADA-compliant restroom
facilities. It should be completed by July.
Exterior repairs to the Fine Arts Building, which
also was damaged by the 2002 tornado, have been
completed. Work on this building has cost $1.3
million to date. Total repairs are estimated at $3.5
million. Further work is pending FEMA's final
decision on the university’s request for an expanded
scope and budget for the necessary repairs to this
building.
“I'm pleased with the work that has been done,” said
Nora Miller, vice president for finance and
administration. “We are very thankful for all the
sources of funding that have made these investments
in our campus possible. In addition to the state
general obligation bonds provided by the State
Legislature and tornado repairs funded by FEMA, we
have also received funds from the Department of
Homeland Security and from the U.S. Department of
Health and Human Services. The MUW Foundation has
established a line of credit to help the University
address the cash demands of construction projects
that will ultimately be reimbursed by FEMA/MEMA.”
Renovation to Poindexter Hall is next on the list.
This project is estimated at $9 million. Miller said
$7.5 million is available for this project and that
the university will need to get the balance of
funding in the 2007 legislative session. Design,
testing and engineering costs in the amount of
$200,000 have already been incurred for this
project.
Another project scheduled for the near future is
Painter Hall in the amount of $600,000. This will
include an elevator, HVAC upgrades and other work.
