The EMU Interim Planning Committee submitted its final recommendation for an estimated $223,016 in building renovations to the EMU Board of Directors, which passed the plan 11-1 Wednesday.
The board originally allocated $180,000 for the remodel and will cover the discrepancy between the two costs with money from a $1.3 million funding grant the University gave the EMU to improve climate control.
The recommendation, which is separate from a larger EMU remodeling Master Plan unveiled in May 2003, includes specific proposals for Erb Essentials, along with changes to the Craft Center, Women’s Center and the north entrance. The renovations are scheduled for this summer, and the proposed construction will be finished by fall.
Board member Brandon Rhodes presented a possible layout for the space previously used by the EMU Child Care and Development Centers. The recommendation advocated moving the Craft Center into the free space and expanding the existing Women’s Center.
“We had to best use the space vacated by the CCDC. The Craft Center and the Women’s Center, they’re both really cramped to the point of possibly breaking health and safety laws,” Rhodes said.
EMU Director of Student Activities Gregg Lobisser said the plan could easily be completed in the allotted time without causing existing offices or organizations to move.
“I suspect that there won’t be much displacement,” Lobisser said. “Quite minimal displacement actually, based on the nature of the construction.”
The changes, with the exception of an Erb Essentials remodel, are focused primarily on the east wing of the EMU, which was built in the early 1970s. The committee proposed changes to the ramp behind the current transportation kiosk. In addition, a new kiosk would be formed near the north entrance to serve as a focal point for enhanced entry to the EMU. It would have EMU and transportation information and provide campus tours.
The members of the board seemed eager to make tangible improvements to the area and EMU. The board debated setting a list of priorities to ensure that base improvements are made.
Board member Ethan Firpo spoke about the east wing in particular. “Who knows when we’ll get the money to do the master plan,” Firpo said. “Whatever we can do to improve that horrid pit, the better we are.”