Approval of Carver Hall Renovations Project Increase for Design and Construction of remaining phases
In 1952, George Washington Carver Hall was opened as a dedicated classroom building to help with the overcrowding in Jackson Hall and Old Hathaway Hall. As part of the dedication, King Farouk of Egypt sent Kentucky State University's biology department a mounted and catalogued collection of 900 rare butterflies, moths and other insects. The collection still adorns the walls of Carver Hall to this day. In 1968, after the demolishment of Old Hathaway Hall, an annex was built in its place. Students studying Chemistry, Biology and other Sciences continue to utilize the historic building and are greeted at the entrance with the words "Enter to Learn, Go Out to Serve."
Carver Hall was renovated in 2003 and again in 2024 under the campus roof replacement project. Its 45,750 square feet makes it one of the University's largest instructional buildings. The building suffers from deferred site maintenance, lack of system upgrades, and as well as deteriorating, or damaged architecture (both exterior and interior). This renovation will make necessary minor renovations to the mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) systems and architectural improvements of low maintenance flooring and updated finishes throughout.
Phase 1A construction is planned to begin Fall of 2025 for the areas already vacated. Phase 1B design will commence upon this approval and construction will continue near or at the conclusion of Phase 1A. Construction is scheduled to be completed by August 2026, with occupancy expected in the fall semester of 2026.
The project was previously approved for $205,000.00 for the Phase 1A design at the June 14, 2024 Board of Regents meeting. This budget was based on the Phase 1A and needs discussed with the Design Team for the Phase 1B continued Design and construction. The additional funding needed is currently estimated to be $5,795,000.00, making the project total $6,000,000.00. The additional funding will come from University's 2024-2026 State Bond Funded Asset Preservation Funds, which no longer require a match.
Dr. Koffi C. Akakpo recommends the Board of Regents approve the increase in the Carver Hall Renovation project
Approve the increase in the use of the Asset Preservation funds for the Carver Hall Renovation project.