COLUMBUS - The Ohio State University has entered into a partnership with the city of Columbus to change the way visitors would get to the Ohio Stadium and the Jerome Schottenstein Center.
Next week, Ohio State's Board of Trustees will consider several new construction projects next week for November's session.
Ohio State seeks approval for $31.2 million for construction on the $51.5 million Cannon Drive relocation project which is a partnership with the city of Columbus. The purpose of the project is to straighten the road between King Avenue and Herrick Drive in order to protect the university from a historic flood and open up approximately 12 acres of developable land.
“Following a thorough evaluation of budget, scope and programming, these projects are now better suited to meet the needs of users and grow the district in an innovative fashion,” said Trustee and head of the Master Planning and Facilities Committee Alex Fischer. “The process of evaluating each project individually and within the context of broader Department of Athletics and university goals, helped identify program synergies, cost savings and efficiencies. I applaud the hard work that led to this outcome.”
Fans also have a big part in consideration with renovations to the Schottenstein Center because it picked up $500,000 in savings through program efficiencies. Depending on the Board of Trustees approval, Ohio State plans for $31.5 million in renovations to the home of the basketball Buckeyes. With the construction expanding the concourse it will add natural light to the building while improving access to ticket offices and the team store.
The site of the Covelli Multi-Sport Arena moves from the corner of Fred Taylor Drive and Ackerman Road to north of Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium will be combined with the 2019, including a 3,700-seat arena which will serve as the home for the Men's and Women's Varsity Volleyball teams as well as the competition site for Men's and Women's Fencing, Men's and Women's Gymnastics and Men's Wrestling.
“Innovation and creative planning helped find a new opportunity for the Covelli Multi-Sport/Jennings Family Wrestling Facility,” said Fischer. “Combining the arena and the practice facility will ultimately realize cost savings on both projects.”
There is a plan to spend $43 million for construction on the Schumaker Student-Athlete Development Center. The facility with included state-of-the-art athletic training center and athletic offices serving 800 student-athletes.
The athletic construction projects are self-funded through fundraising and athletics revenue. The board will consider these things:
- About $6 million to support the restoration of Mirror Lake and the surrounding district. The overall Mirror Lake District, including Browning Amphitheater and Oxley and Pomerene Halls, is being renovated to create modern learning environments for students and faculty in data analytics, linguistics and the history of art – while retaining its significance, and appearance as an early and iconic area of campus.
- $700,000 for design work for an expansion of Ohio State Veterinary Hospital. The $7 million project includes a new clinical skills lab and space for future expansion.
- Bricker Hall is in line for a $5 million investment for heating and air conditioning repairs as well as replacing the plaster ceilings on the third floor.
