Ohio University: $50 million in bonds for improvements - News: noteworthy people, programs, funding, and technological advances in the world of higher education - Brief Article

Matrix: The Magazine for Leaders in Education, April, 2001 by Al Branch

Looking to expand its Athens, Ohio, campus, trustees of Ohio University recently approved the issuing of about $50 million in bonds, which will be used to build new lecture halls and offices, and renovate existing buildings, according to published reports.

Trustees must also approve the actual sale of the bonds, which were expected to be issued this month. Officials said most of the projects for which the bonds would be issued should be paid off within seven years.

One of the renovation projects, the expansion of Peden Stadium, is already under way, and will add 4,000 seats to the facility, which will bring capacity to 24,000. To do this, the stadium's football field is being lowered and the track is being removed. The renovation will also make room for an area for the marching band.

In addition, an 8,000-square-foot strength and conditioning center has been added to the stadium for $1 million. About $300,000 of that will be paid for with bonds, according to the Associated Press.

Other projects made possible by the bond include renovating the building which houses the political science and economics departments; buying and improving a privately owned theater; and renovating two buildings at the former Athens Mental Health Center into art studios, officials said.

The bonds also will help pay for construction of a lecture hall and classroom building; an innovation center for laboratories; light manufacturing and offices; and a human-resources office and training center.

In addition, funds will be used to renovate nine buildings for energy savings, to upgrade a power substation and to construct, renovate, or acquire housing, according to AP.