March 23-24, 2000

ITEM 106-2003-R0300:  Authorization to Hire an Architectural Firm to Provide Professional Services for Program Development and Design for a Renovation and/or Addition to the Strand Union Building (SUB); Montana State University - Bozeman

THAT: Consistent with the provisions of MCA 18-2-102(b), the Board of Regents of the Montana University System authorizes Montana State University - Bozeman to hire an architectural firm to program design a renovation and/or addition to the Strand Union Building (SUB) at Montana State University-Bozeman. The estimated cost for this phase of the work is $500,000.

 

EXPLANATION: 1. The Strand Union Building is the most extensively used building on Campus. It is the community center of the University supplying a variety of daily services, activities and amenities in a centralized location for all members of the college family.

2.         Two recent studies have been completed on the Strand Union Building.

In 1997, a space utilization study was undertaken. This study showed that the building was well utilized and, as the student population increases, the Strand Union Building will require more space to continue to serve Montana State University successfully.

In 1998, a study on the Strand Union Theater was completed. This study identified architectural, mechanical, electrical and functional deficiencies. The programming exercise will address these deficiencies.

3.         This project will be financed with funds from the Student Union operations and Student Union renewal and replacement reserves. All design, construction and future operations and maintenance costs will be from non-state funds.

4.         The University intends to bond the Student Union Fee and University Food Service Revenue streams to pay for the project. Administration has approached Student Leadership with options to a proposed increase in the Student Union Fee and corresponding scope of the project. Discussions of this nature will continue into early 2000-2001 academic year. It is currently anticipated that MSU will go to the bond market Spring 2001. A separate board item will be brought forth seeking bonding authority and approval to proceed with construction.