ACTIVITY UPDATE
October 2014
ACADEMIC SUCCESS CENTER
The Academic Success Center has outgrown the space currently provided within the Duke Library. The center is combined with the former Center for Teaching and Engaged Learning (CTEL) in the lower level of the library but space constraints is limiting the capacity of the department to meet student demand. Two areas in the library are being considered for the new center which will be approximately 3,900 square feet in size. One area is on the ground floor in the northwest corner of the building and the other area is on the main floor on the south side of the building. Development is currently working with potential donors to gauge interest in the project. A firm budget has not yet been established and the project is currently on hold.
ADMISSIONS VEHICLE STORAGE
A 24’ by 36’ covered parking canopy will be constructed adjacent to the Theatre Annex Building in the upper parking lot. The structure will house six new vehicles that will be used as part of the campus tours conducted by Admissions. The structure will include charging stations and will be screened with landscaping plantings to the extent possible. Completion is expected by the end of September.
ATHLETICS MASTER PLAN
The following projects are underway as part of the ongoing athletics master plan and are in various stages of development.
Men’s Basketball Locker Room Renovation
This project began in early August and includes the demolition of two walls to open the locker room into one large space. Also included are new lockers, flooring, and graphics. The completion date is set for October 1st.
Soccer Field House
An updated concept for a field house at Stone Soccer Stadium was recently completed. This proposed 5,000 square foot building includes public rest rooms, home locker rooms for the men’s and women’s teams, a visitor’s locker room, and concessions on the lower level. The new upper level includes permanent offices, coach’s locker rooms and an outdoor deck.
Our staff is currently working with the architect and contractor to finalize the details of scope and schedule for the project. Fund raising for the new larger program is under way and the hope is to begin construction in early 2015. The preliminary budget for this building, including endowment, is now $2,000,000.
Lower Intramural Field Expansion
The lower intramural field near the Shi Center was recently enlarged. Additional fill was placed at the south end of the field to extend the playing surface about 80 feet. Irrigation, sod and netting were added as part of the expansion. This work now allows for regulation size men’s and women’s lacrosse fields and a regulation soccer field. Multiple intramural sports will also use this filed in various configurations throughout the year.
The field should be useable by the end of September.
Paladin Stadium Section 3 Seating Replacement
After reviewing several options concerning the tight seating in Section 3, the Athletics Department recommended that the following work be completed prior to the start of the football season. Rows AA through DD in Section 3 were removed and reconfigured into three rows in Section 8 (rows O, Q, and S) where six rows (N – S) of aluminum plank seating were removed. The aluminum seating was then placed in rows AA – DD in Section 3. This gives the ticket office some options for those who wanted to move their seats to gain more leg room. The ticket office has received positive feedback so far from those who have changed seat locations..
AUDITORIUM BACKSTAGE RENOVATION
With the recent move of the University Police Department from McAlister Auditorium to Hipp Hall, a plan has been developed to renovate the vacated space along with the adjacent dressing rooms. The plan includes bringing these spaces up to current code and addressing the aesthetic and maintenance issues that are currently present. Work will include new finishes in addition to the replacement of the plumbing, mechanical, and electrical systems. The renovated space will be used by both the Auditorium and Music Department and will help alleviate the shortage of space felt by both departments. Budget pricing is being sought for this renovation with hopes of completing the work in the summer of 2015. This project would be the initial phase of a multi-phased renovation plan for both McAlister Auditorium and Daniel Music Building.
CAMPUS TREE MASTER PLAN
Over the last several months, our staff has been coordinating with our Arborist, Ken Knox, to begin assembling a Tree Master Plan for the campus. The master plan will focus on the trees located at the main entrance, Furman Mall, and Milford Mall areas and will include a phased tree replacement strategy. The trees are all of the same species and were planted at approximately the same time and are therefore, reaching the end of their life span all at the same time. Mr. Knox has been periodically working with Furman’s trees since 1975 and has significant experience working at other prominent venues facing similar issues.
The Master Plan will formulate a phased sequence of removal and re-planting to minimize the disruption of the campus aesthetics; identify types of replacement trees to install; pinpoint tree nurseries that will grow the replacement specimens on our behalf; and produce a budget for the work over time. We expect to present an outline of the Master Plan during the February Trustees meeting.
CHERRYDALE CANOPY
Plans and estimates are being developed for an approximate 1,024 SF canopy to be installed over the existing brick patio on the west side of the Cherrydale Alumni House. The canopy would greatly enhance the ability of the staff to host outdoor functions. A budget and schedule for this project have not been established.
DANIEL DINING HALL UPGRADE
Renovation work at the Daniel Dining Hall began on May 12th and is now in use by our students. The renovation included the replacement and upgrade of the interior finishes including new floor coverings, paint, ceilings, lighting, and some furniture. Also included is a new Mongolian Grill, open Grill station which is capable of producing a wide variety of menu items, and new dish return equipment. Student really like the changes that were made and many positive comments have been received about the new grill and dish return. The renovated space will be toured during the Trustee Committee meeting.
DUNCAN CHAPEL SIDEWALK
The sidewalk that connects the Furman campus to the Vinings apartment complex was completed in mid-September. The new 8 foot wide sidewalk includes LED exterior lights so students can safely use the sidewalk during evening hours. Additional lights will soon be added in the lower parking lot at the Vinings to ensure safe travel by students back to their apartments.
ENERGY/UTILITIES
With natural gas prices near historic lows, our staff has locked in 40% of the projected demand for the next 24 months. The basis pricing which includes transportation and the profit margin of our supplier has also been locked in. These hedging strategies will help us ensure that our natural gas budget is not exceeded over time. Another 20 to 30% will soon be locked in through the spring of 2015 and more purchases will be layered in as we proceed throughout the 2015 fiscal year
ENERGY CONSERVATION PROJECTS
Furman Hall Commissioning
The HVAC in Furman Hall is being re-commissioned in an effort to reduce energy consumption and improve operating performance. The work includes a revised control strategy in addition to recalibrating sensors, rebalancing the air systems, and sealing/insulating the attic space.
Dining Hall Light Replacement
The existing 2 by 2 fluorescent fixtures in the main dining area will be replaced with LED light fixtures over the Christmas break. The new fixtures will use significantly less energy and require much lower maintenance costs due to longer life of LED components. The $20,000 project has an approximate 6 year simple payback.
HOUSING AND STUDENT LIFE MASTER PLAN
A conceptual plan to renovate all the traditional residence halls in Lakeside Housing (7 buildings) and South Housing (5 buildings) was completed in 2010 by the firm of Hanbury, Evans, Wright, & Vlattas. This plan was presented to the Trustees at the October 2010 meeting and the University is now ready to proceed with the 1st phase of this important multi-phased project. It is anticipated that the total plan will require 8 to 12 years to complete.
Judson Residence Hall Renovation
The Planning and Construction team has assembled a program for the renovation of Judson Hall which is part of the Lakeside Housing complex. The renovation of this 33,000 square foot building will begin during Christmas break when many of the mechanical systems in the basement will be removed and replaced. The rest of the program will begin after graduation in May, 2015 and includes complete replacement of all mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems with new more efficient equipment. A fire sprinkler system will be installed in the entire building including new alarm systems. Information technology equipment will be upgraded as well in all rooms and common areas. The total bed count will be reduced from 105 to 100.
The main entry will be renovated by removing the enclosure around the main stair to open up views to the lake. The Parlor level will be renovated and somewhat re-purposed to include classrooms, large gathering areas, flexible seating spaces and storage. Within the rooms (suites), all bathrooms will be renovated to include new fixtures and finishes. New paint, carpet and doors will also be installed in each room as part of the program. Also, new kitchens and lounges will be built on each level.
In the basement, a new “game room” will be created in an underused area of this level. This space will include a game room (for pool and ping pong), theater, video gaming area, new restrooms and a kitchenette.
The total design and construction budget for this project has been targeted at $5.5 million. The schedule includes pre-construction activities taking place this Christmas, construction beginning in early May 2015 and completion prior to the fall term in 2015.
JOHNS HALL MODIFICATIONS
Psychology has now occupied the space in Johns Hall formerly known as the Johnson Center. The area became available in early 2013 when the former occupants, Study Away/International Education and Undergraduate Research and Internships, relocated to newly created space in the Trone Student Center. In order to meet the program needs of Psychology, the space has been renovated which included new walls, new carpet, HVAC modifications, and changes to the fire protection, electrical, and voice/data systems. Work was completed in early August.
RENEWALS AND REPLACEMENT PROJECTS
Completed Projects
South Housing Landscape & Hardscape Improvements
All hardscape, landscape and irrigation were replaced at the front of McGlothlin and Poteat Halls in South Housing. This work included removing Magnolia trees, replacing asphalt walks with concrete; replacing aging landscape with new azaleas and dogwoods; and adding new tall fescue sod areas.
Chapel Carpet Replacement
During the summer carpet was replaced on the Ministry level of the Chapel. This project also included the replacement of the pew fabric in the Sanctuary.
2014 Dorm Renewals
A minor renovation to the North Village J and Community Center building was successfully completed over the summer. Work included painting, carpet replacement, lighting replacements and repairs to number of other building systems and finishes.
North Village J and Community Center HVAC Replacement
The HVAC system for this building was successfully replaced over the summer months. The old system was at the end of its useful life and the source of many reliability and maintenance issues. The project is complete and the systems are operating well. A few punch list items remain.
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Replace Roof on Timmons Arena
The roof on Timmons was replaced in the early summer with a white, 30 year, single ply roofing membrane. The work included the addition of roof insulation which will result in significant energy savings over time.
White Oaks Paver Renewal
The walkway and patio pavers in specific areas around White Oaks have been re-grouted, cleaned and replaced as needed. The project was successfully completed in mid-summer 2014.
Infirmary Minor Renovation
A minor renovation of the Infirmary was completed over the summer. Work included attic and dormer repairs, new flooring and windows, repainting of interior spaces, ceiling replacement, duct cleaning and cabinetry work.
Planned Projects
Daniel Lounge Minor Renovation
Housing and Facilities services are starting a jointly funded project that will address some minor renovations in Daniel Lounge in South Housing. The work will consist of a new ceiling, lighting system replacement, repainting, new carpet and furniture replacement. The project is scheduled for completion in the fall of 2014.
Chapel South Parking Lot Renovation
Design work is underway for the renovation of the parking lot located south of the Chapel. In addition to asphalt replacement, new lighting and landscaping will be installed in addition to improvements that will be made to the storm water system. Work is scheduled to take place in the summer of 2015.
Johns Hall Carpet Replacement
A plan for replacing the carpet in the corridors and lecture room of
Johns Hall is currently being developed. Existing carpet is original to the building and is now over 15 years old. Consideration is being given to using a combination of carpet and luxury vinyl plank flooring. A budget and schedule have not yet been determined.
Music Building Roof Replacement
Planning for the replacement on Daniel Music Building is underway. The roof is almost 40 years old and is the source of frequent leaks. Specifications and a project budget are currently being developed. Work is most likely to be completed in the summer of 2015.
Vinings Exterior Renewal
A project scope and budget is being developed for exterior renovation of one or more buildings at the Vinings. Many maintenance problems have been found with water intrusion and so this project will address such items as roofs, flashing, building wrap, siding, and possible window replacements. The majority of this work will be completed during the summer of 2015.
South Housing Renewals
We are currently involved in a study to help identify the scope of maintenance work needed to be completed on the South Housing dorms prior to the planned major renovations. Rather than take a hall off line each summer for minor renovation work, we will look to complete work throughout the complex that either cannot wait until the major renovations or will not be undone by the renovation work.
ROCK HOUSE RENOVATION STUDY
Conceptual plans and cost estimates are being developed for the possible renovation and addition of the Rock House for use by Kris Kapoor and the Investment Office. The Rock House is located on Duncan Chapel Road and is adjacent to the Golf Course and near Farmer Hall. The Investment Office is growing by 1 or 2 staff members and their current space in Montague Village will no longer satisfy their space needs. An estimate and concept plan should be complete by mid-October.
VIVARIUM STUDY
Late last academic year, our team met with various faculty to study moving the Vivarium (a place, such as a laboratory, where live animals are kept for research) to one central location in Townes Science Center. This would remove the facility from Johns Hall and combine it with facilities already located in Townes. The new, multidisciplinary space would improve efficiencies and provide a more improved space that meets current laboratory standards. The study is in the early stages, and our architects at LS3P are assisting with potential floor plans in response to faculty input. There is no scope, schedule or budget set for this project to date.
WHITE OAKS COVERED PARKING
Several options are being studied for a covered parking area at White Oaks. The original attached garage was converted into a living quarters shortly after Furman acquired the house in the mid 1990’s and an area for occupants to store vehicles out of the elements has not existed since that time. The location and an architectural design that is consistence with the house are some of the considerations being addressed. A schedule and budget have not yet been established for this project.