Wayne State’s Board of Governors approved several measures during its regular Jan. 31 meeting, ranging from campus improvements and endowments to a proclamation honoring victims and survivors of gun violence.

Hilberry Gateway Project

The BOG ratified their action adopted by a December telephone vote to increase the current budget of $65 million to $69.5 million for the renovation and construction of the Hilberry Gateway Performance Complex. The proposed plan renovates the existing Hilberry Theatre and constructs a 71,000-square-foot addition. The new complex includes a new 400-seat theatre, a 150-seat performance lab, new back of house production facilities, combined lobby and box office and the 380 seat Gretchen Valade Jazz Center.

Gordon H. Scott Hall vivarium renovation

Constructed in 1968, the Gordon H. Scott Hall of Basic Medical Sciences, located at 540 E. Canfield St., provides approximately 455,000 square feet of classrooms, research labs, offices and facilities support spaces for the School of Medicine. The existing 10,000-square-foot vivarium went through an expansion program in 1985, and received further upgrades in 1997. In 2019, following an assessment survey, it was determined that current room sizes, door widths and operational workflows were inefficient, and architects were contracted to provide schematic design services.

The BOG approved the awarding of contracts to advance and complete design phase activities for the eventual construction of the Gordon H. Scott Hall vivarium renovation for an initial cost not to exceed $500,000.

New basketball arena

In May 2019, the Board of Governors approved the design and construction of a 70,000-square-foot basketball arena located adjacent to the Matthaei Physical Education Center and Parking Lot 50. Wayne State’s men’s and women’s basketball teams are scheduled to play in the new facility during the 2021-22 basketball season. The $25 million construction project will include seating capacity for approximately 3,000 fans, office space and locker room areas for WSU’s men’s and women’s basketball teams, a concession area, and other ancillary spaces.

The BOG approved additional funding up to $3.8 million to complete the overall project. Increased costs were attributed, in part, to rising material and labor expenses.

Parking Lot 22

Parking Lot 22, located at the corner of W. Palmer and Second Avenue, accommodates students, faculty and staff with 183 spaces. The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is leasing Parking Lot 22 for construction and staging of the new Second Avenue Bridge over Interstate 94. Wayne State will prepare the parking lot for the MDOT project and restore it to its original condition after completion. MDOT will pay the cost of removing and reinstalling approved items such as the existing fence, light poles, gate equipment and cutting trees.

The BOG approved a project cost not to exceed $522,000, which will be fully funded by MDOT.

Gun Violence Survivors Week proclamation

The proclamation, approved by the Board of Governors, declared the week of Feb. 1-8, 2020, as National Gun Violence Survivor Week on Wayne State’s campus. The measure was established to “honor and remember all victims and survivors of gun violence and uplift the resilient voices of survivors across the nation,” according to the proclamation. “We encourage all students to support their communities’ efforts to prevent the tragic effects of gun violence and to honor and value human lives.”

Towers Residential Suites and Café Dining addition

In March 2019, the Board of Governors approved $2,835,000 funding for the construction of the Towers Residential Suites and Towers’ Café addition. The proposed 5,500-square-foot addition will expand into the adjacent courtyard and add over 300 seats and an outdoor patio.

The BOG authorized additional spending of up to $685,000. Increased costs were attributed, in part, to cost fluctuations of materials and equipment reflecting the current industry.

Endowments

The Board of Governors approved endowment funds totaling $807,525.57. Included among the established endowments was the Francis Gerald Sullivan Memorial Endowed Scholarship — $250,000.