University of Michigan plans $4.44 million renovation of school's largest computer lab and nearby areas
The Angell Hall Computing Site is one of the most popular places to study and do classwork on campus.
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The school wants to expand the Angell Hall Computing Site, more commonly referred to as the 'fishbowl' by students, and install new furnishings, flooring, and accessible features, according to a memo from U-M chief financial officer Timothy Slottow to the school's Board of Regents. The large computer lab is located in a large courtyard within the Angell Hall and Mason Hall joint building.
The site is one of the most popular places to study and do classwork on campus. It contains more than 135 computers and 18 printers for student use.
The regents will vote on whether or not to approve the project at their monthly meeting on Dec. 13. Once a construction project has been placed on the regents' public agenda, as the Angell Hall renovation has, it is almost always unanimously approved by regents.
Three nearby computer-equipped classrooms also will be updated, as will several safety features, including the addition of new fire alarms and the extension of existing fire suppression systems in the building's basement, hallways and in the Angell Hall Auditorium area.
The renovation will span 32,000 square feet.
The renovation will be designed in-house, by the U-M department of architecture, engineering and construction, and is expected to provide an average of 14 on-site construction jobs, according to U-M estimates.
The university intends to finish the retrofit in fall 2013.
Kellie Woodhouse covers higher education for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at kelliewoodhouse@annarbor.com or 734-623-4602 and follow her on twitter.
Comments
GoNavy
Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 4:37 a.m.
When you ask yourself "Why have college tuition rates doubled over the last ten years," remind yourself that we're spending 4.4 million to upgrade the fixtures and furnishings at the fishbowl. Not the infrastructure, mind you...simply the decor. Because god knows you can't study without tasteful decorations and fixtures.
ThinkingOne
Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 4:11 p.m.
Heck, even the title of the piece said '...renovation of school's largest computer lab and nearby areas'. Didn't have to read too far to see that...
Sparty
Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 10:49 a.m.
Beyond the EXPANSION of the facility, did you also miss the following: "Three nearby computer-equipped classrooms also will be updated, as will several safety features, including the addition of new fire alarms and the extension of existing fire suppression systems in the building's basement, hallways and in the Angell Hall Auditorium area." ???
Steven Murphy
Mon, Dec 10, 2012 : 11:05 p.m.
It's wonderful to have the clams to be able to keep making the wonderful University of Michigan better and better, though I'd have to think that the students and faculty get a little weary of the noisy construction and its obtrusiveness. Excellence has its demands.