Texas A&M System Board of Regents put conditions on one of three construction projects approved Thursday at the flagship campus. Construction of the $6 million dollar football performance center cannot start until at least half the money is raised from gifts is in hand and another 25 percent is covered by documented pledges. The 12th Man Foundation is chipping in 10 percent of the cost.
The Quad, home to the Corp of Cadets, is getting its first makeover in 20 years. The nearly $14 million dollar project focuses on a vacant portion of Harrell Hall and an adjacent lounge, which will be demolished and turned into 110 two-bed dorm rooms and a four floor learning center. Construction starts next month with completion the following July.
And there’s a $34 million dollar improvement at Wellborn and Old Main will allow east-west traffic to go under the road and railroad tracks. That includes vehicles as well as pedestrians and bicycles. The at-grade intersection will continue, allowing motorists to make left and right turns. Federal funds are paying for over 70 percent. Construction starts this July with completion in January 2013. Wellborn traffic will be limited to one lane in each direction plus a center turning lane. Click HERE to see a video showing a rendering of the project when completed.
Thursday’s meeting was the last for Chancellor Mike McKinney, who surprised many when he announced his retirement on July 1st.
Comments from Mike McKinney.
Dr. McKinney, who without warning announced his retirement July 1st after nearly five years, received a standing ovation following compliments from the chairman.
More from Dr. McKinney.
Regents Chairman Richard Box announced an advisory committee of four Regents members will be collecting resumes from potential Chancellor candidates. The chairman hoped to name McKinney’s successor this fall.
Box also responded to hundreds of professors on the flagship campus about the Texas Public Policy Foundation’s so-called seven solutions to higher education.
Regents Chairman Richard Box responds to A&M professors.
Click HERE to read Dr. Box’s statement.