Activities played at the aging Withrow Court will be moved to this new facility, said Powell. The 91,000-square foot arena will consist of a 120-yard football field with a synthetic “turf” surface similar to the one in Yager Stadium. Other features include netting for baseball, softball and golf practice, along with four 100-yard sprint lanes, a high jump area and a long jump pit. Storage space and an observation deck will also be included.
“I want to thank the board of trustees and President (David) Hodge for allowing us to move forward on this incredible project,” David Sayler, director of intercollegiate athletics said in a statement. “When we bring recruits to campus, we want our facilities to reflect our commitment to the student-athlete experience and our vision for where Miami athletics is going.”
Up for renovations is Shideler Hall on the Oxford Campus; that building houses Miami’s geology and geography departments.
“We’re seeking state funding and state support to make that happen,” said Powell of the $22.7 million project. That project is expected start late next fall. That particular building was targeted for renovations because it has received no significant upgrades since it was first constructed in 1967, Powell said. Along with Withrow Court, Shideler was one of the facilities in poorest condition, according to the university’s analysis.
The project is also costly because it involves complete renovation of STEM (Science, Technology Engineering and Mathematics) research facilities, Powell said.
Also up for improvements are the Mosler Hall Science Laboratory on the Hamilton campus, with a projected cost of $800,000; and the Gardener Hall Library on the Middletown campus. The latter will receive IT and technical upgrades costing $500,000, Powell said. All the work is expected to take place around fall 2014.
The renovations came about as part of a capital plan that is updated every two years, said Powell. That plan, recently approved by Miami’s trustees, is under review by the Ohio Board of Regents.
About the Author