AMES, Iowa -- Iowa State University President Gregory Geoffroy has approved a recommendation to hire RDG Planning and Design, Des Moines, for architectural and engineering services for the Recreation Facilities Expansion and Renovation project at ISU.
RDG was selected from seven firms that submitted applications for the project design. A 15-member planning committee recommended RDG based on relevant experience in the design of collegiate recreation facilities, quality of design, and experience in sustainable design and LEED-certified projects. After President Geoffroy reviewed and approved the committee's recommendation, the Board of Regents approved RDG's selection on July 9.
RDG representatives will meet with ISU's planning committee this week. The group will begin a process to verify the facility functions and uses that will be a part of the expansion and renovation project.
Plans to renovate and expand Lied Recreation and Athletic Center, Beyer Hall and State Gym on the ISU campus have been in the works for several years. A 2002 survey of student satisfaction with Recreation Services programs and facilities led to a 2006 needs assessment. In that assessment, students provided a list of changes they wanted to see in ISU's recreation facilities, including larger weight and cardio-areas, full-length basketball courts, a leisure pool and air conditioning.
In 2007, an architectural feasibility study determined what would need to happen to implement the top priorities students expressed in the needs assessment. That study confirmed that ISU recreation facilities are in good condition for their age, but they do not meet the needs and expectations of today's students.
During spring semester 2008, the Government of the Student Body, the Special Student Fee and Tuition Committee, and a vote of ISU students supported the project and the associated increase in student fees. On May 1, the Board of Regents granted ISU approval to proceed with the project planning.
As the planning process continues, RDG will develop a detailed building program outlining project needs. Once that program has been approved by the planning committee, the project advisory committee, ISU administration and the Board of Regents, RDG will develop the project design. Project Manager Robert Holzwarth said he anticipates the building program will be finalized in early September, and the design will be completed during spring 2009. Construction for the new building addition to and renovation of State Gym could begin during fall 2009.
"The planning process will be very participatory," said University Architect A. Dean Morton. "We will seek student input at every step, using tools such as open forums and online surveys."
The total project budget is estimated at $52.8 million. Pending approval by the Board of Regents, project completion is expected in fall 2011.
Regular updates on the expansion and renovation project can be found at: http://www.public.iastate.edu/~saff/recrenovations.php