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FEATURE STORY
Read more about the expansion projects announced Thursday in "UNL to expand along with growing research" and "Husker athletics expansion to offer new amenities"
It is time to grow.
Harvey Perlman, chancellor of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, said these words as he announced the unveiling of three major renovation projects at a press conference Thursday at the Van Brunt Visitor's Center.
The projects, which had been in planning for several years, were tightly held secrets until the right time came to reveal project plans.
The projects include a new virology research building, renovated space for the Department of Computer Science and Engineering and upgrades for the Athletic Department and Memorial Stadium.
The projects were estimated to cost more than $65 million.
"I'm trying to move this place forward," Perlman said.
But each project lacks the funds and specific timelines for completion.
Perlman said completion of the projects depends on the support of donors through private donations and support from the university.
"I fully recognize that obtaining state funding for any of these projects is unlikely," he said.
Perlman said some donations had already been made. But names of donors and amount figures already raised could not yet be released, he said.
The new virology research building, to be built on East Campus, will cost $15 million. The 60,000-square feet building, which will be adjacent to the Veterinary Science buildings, will be able to hold up to 12 scientists and their laboratory spaces.
Prem Paul, vice chancellor for research, said the Beadle Center was "bursting at the seams," so expansions were needed in order to recruit and accommodate more researchers at UNL.
More "top-notch" buildings are needed like the Beadle Center, he said.
Steve Pederson, UNL athletic director, said the athletic department would call on all Nebraskans to help raise funds for the athletic project through private donations. The total project was estimated to cost $49 million.
The price tag for Phase 1 of the project was estimated at $40 million. This amount includes additions to the North Stadium, such as 5,000 seats and a new HuskerVision screen. The $40 million will also include a newly renovated athletic complex to the North Stadium named after former Nebraska Coach Tom Osborne and his wife, Nancy. The North Stadium will also provide a new performance center and administrative offices for the athletic department.
The additional $9 million will be needed to complete Phase 2, which includes a new indoor practice field, Pederson said.
The new additions, he said, would be the best in the country.
In the past, the UNL athletic department had stayed ahead of other universities in terms of advancements, but the competition was gaining ground and the NU department needed to move forward, Pederson said.
He said the additions and renovations needed to be completed in order to recruit the best athletes to Nebraska.
"Let's tell people about this and get going," he said of the project.
After the Athletic Department's administrative offices move into the new space in North Stadium, the South Stadium will provide extra room for computer science and engineering research. The Athletic Department planned on donating the space to the research department. The project was estimated at $10 million.
The PrairieFire supercomputer, a major researching tool, is currently housed in the Miller and Paine Building downtown. It also will move into the new space in South Stadium.
Richard Sincovec, chairman of the department of computer science and engineering, said the new space would benefit both students and faculty, providing more capacity in classes and computer labs.
Perlman said it made sense for the computer science and engineering department to have the space because the department would be moving into Avery Hall, which is now being renovated.
The University of Nebraska Foundation will be in charge of fund-raising efforts for each of the projects.
Although some might be concerned with funding such projects through tough economic times and budget cuts, Perlman said he was optimistic the projects would be completed.
He said although the university was making budget reductions, it was also planning for future expansions to the university.
"There are a lot of people who still care deeply for this university and are willing to contribute to its success," Perlman said.
"We must as a university," he said, "build, grow and position ourselves for the future."
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