Making the case for a new Communication Arts Center at UW-Fox Valley
During the week of Dec. 25 we will be airing a show with the CEO and dean of UW-Fox Valley, Jim Perry.
The campus is currently seeking $13.9 million for a new Communication Arts Center. The campus is seeking $5.3 million each from Winnebago and Outagamie counties, with the remainder coming from grants and private donations, including a capital campaign being undertaken by its Foundation.
The Outagamie County Board has already approved its portion of the money so whether this project gets done or not now lies in the hands of the Winnebago County Board, which is scheduled to vote on the matter on Jan. 16.
For anyone in doubt about why a new Communications Arts Center is necessary, they need look no further than this special section of the campus web site which outlines the project in detail and provides periodic updates. The site also includes a PowerPoint presentation which was presented to the Winnebago County Board on Dec. 19.
There are a number of things wrong with the current facility, which dates back to 1962. Some of these issues are an accident – and lawsuit – waiting to happen, campus officials maintain.
There are major areas of concern and safety about the present 1962 facility:
• Access to the control room, wardrobe storage area, and various areas of the current multipurpose room (seat risers, stage, sinks, restroom facilities, and box office) do not meet federal guidelines for disability access (ADA) standards;
• The storage, electric and technical controls are outdated and inadequate – for example, the lighting and sound systems are over 40 years old, with some equipment being inoperable and replacement parts no longer available;
• There is asbestos in the floor tile and PCBs are present in the electrical systems;
• Plumbing in the facility is in need of repair and does not meet ADA code;
• Most areas in the facility do not meet fire sprinkler code;
• Current HVAC does not provide proper ventilation;
• Electrical power sources are overloaded, increasing the risk of shocks;
• Emergency lighting is inadequate;
• The existing facility is too small for many of the programmatic needs;
You can see actual photos of the conditions as they exist today at the campus by scrolling through toward the last portion of this document. Or you can call Jim Perry to request a personal tour. His number is 920.832.2610.
Tax-deductible donations are also gratefully accepted and can be made for this project to the UW-Fox Valley Foundation. More information can be obtained here.
The Oshkosh Northwestern does not doubt that serious problems exist with the current facility, but it believes this is not the right time. I would ask when the right time might be? After all, it is doubtful that county budgets are ever going to get any better unless Madison gets its own financial house in order and starts returning more of our money to us. Additionally, the longer we let this go the more it will cost and the greater the risk of someone being seriously injured or killed. The school also runs the risk of being hit with a lawsuit for being in non-compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act.
So again, the question must be asked: If not now, then when?
The campus is currently seeking $13.9 million for a new Communication Arts Center. The campus is seeking $5.3 million each from Winnebago and Outagamie counties, with the remainder coming from grants and private donations, including a capital campaign being undertaken by its Foundation.
The Outagamie County Board has already approved its portion of the money so whether this project gets done or not now lies in the hands of the Winnebago County Board, which is scheduled to vote on the matter on Jan. 16.
For anyone in doubt about why a new Communications Arts Center is necessary, they need look no further than this special section of the campus web site which outlines the project in detail and provides periodic updates. The site also includes a PowerPoint presentation which was presented to the Winnebago County Board on Dec. 19.
There are a number of things wrong with the current facility, which dates back to 1962. Some of these issues are an accident – and lawsuit – waiting to happen, campus officials maintain.
There are major areas of concern and safety about the present 1962 facility:
• Access to the control room, wardrobe storage area, and various areas of the current multipurpose room (seat risers, stage, sinks, restroom facilities, and box office) do not meet federal guidelines for disability access (ADA) standards;
• The storage, electric and technical controls are outdated and inadequate – for example, the lighting and sound systems are over 40 years old, with some equipment being inoperable and replacement parts no longer available;
• There is asbestos in the floor tile and PCBs are present in the electrical systems;
• Plumbing in the facility is in need of repair and does not meet ADA code;
• Most areas in the facility do not meet fire sprinkler code;
• Current HVAC does not provide proper ventilation;
• Electrical power sources are overloaded, increasing the risk of shocks;
• Emergency lighting is inadequate;
• The existing facility is too small for many of the programmatic needs;
You can see actual photos of the conditions as they exist today at the campus by scrolling through toward the last portion of this document. Or you can call Jim Perry to request a personal tour. His number is 920.832.2610.
Tax-deductible donations are also gratefully accepted and can be made for this project to the UW-Fox Valley Foundation. More information can be obtained here.
The Oshkosh Northwestern does not doubt that serious problems exist with the current facility, but it believes this is not the right time. I would ask when the right time might be? After all, it is doubtful that county budgets are ever going to get any better unless Madison gets its own financial house in order and starts returning more of our money to us. Additionally, the longer we let this go the more it will cost and the greater the risk of someone being seriously injured or killed. The school also runs the risk of being hit with a lawsuit for being in non-compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act.
So again, the question must be asked: If not now, then when?
posted by Cheryl Hentz at 10:09 PM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home