Indiana State University Newsroom

The Indiana State University Board of Trustees approved Thursday plans to move forward with phase one of renovations to the Hulman Center.

Built in 1973, the Hulman Center is in need of renovations, including replacement of outdated and obsolete mechanical and electrical systems.

The Indiana General Assembly appropriated in 2015 $37.5 million to renovate the multipurpose facility. At the time, the state funding was intended to be matched locally and fund the addition of a conference center, said Diann McKee, senior vice president of finance and administration and treasurer for Indiana State.

University officials now favor a phased approach, with phase two adding a conference center at a later date.

"After working with our local partners and recognizing the fiscal constraints of the city and county governments, the university is asking the trustees to move forward with this project," McKee said. "There's no harm in a phased approach to anyone involved. It will result in a better Hulman Center."

Some of the facility's current limitations include having only one elevator and a loading dock not designed for modern needs.

Phase one, not to exceed $50 million, includes replacement of mechanical and electrical systems, failing exterior metal panel cladding and curtain walls. Also included will be updating safety systems for key areas of the existing catwalk above the bowl area and new fire protection system.

Funding for phase one would consist of the state-appropriated $37.5 million and $12.5 million from university gifts, cash reserves and non-fee-replaced borrowing.

"We are interested in phase two and will help make phase two happen," said President Dan Bradley.

The board of trustees' unanimous authorization allows university officials to develop a financing plan for the renovation, to obtain the necessary state approval, to enter contracts to design, construct, equip and to finance the renovation of Hulman Center.

The design work for the project is complete, although it will need to be adjusted for the new phased approach, McKee added. The goal is to accept bids by early February 2018 and start construction thereafter, she said.

Construction, estimated at two years, will be scheduled to not interfere with commencement or basketball season, McKee said.

"By using a phased approach, we get started now and solidify the state funding," said Trustee Ed Pease said. "We improve the facility and give our partners more time to get their financial plans in order and be able to proceed with a convention center."

The next meeting of the Indiana State University Board of Trustees is set for Oct. 20.

-30-

Media contact: Libby Roerig, director of communications and media relations, Office of Communications and Marketing, Indiana State University, 812-237-3790 or libby.roerig@indstate.edu