YSU to request $24M for upgrades

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

Youngstown State University plans to ask the state for some $24 million to make various facility improvements across campus over the next six years.

The administration presented a capital-improvement plan to the board of trustees’ Finance and Facilities Committee earlier this month, breaking the funding cycle into three bienniums, each totaling just under $8.1 million.

The plan included details for just the first biennium — fiscal years 2011 and 2012 — though the latter two-year segments show the same general spending categories. Fiscal years run from July 1 to June 30.

It shows $2 million for upgrading current instructional space, including classrooms, labs, auditoriums and study areas. Specifically, it calls for new ceilings, flooring, lighting, heating, ventilating and air conditioning and correcting some minor Americans with Disabilities Act compliance issues.

An additional $2,074,834 will be earmarked for masonry restoration to campus buildings, many of which have steel frames covered with a brick veneer, and to brick plazas.

Cracks, weathering and other deterioration have occurred over the years and will be addressed, along with door and window systems that may be failing.

The biggest single-ticket item will be roof renovations at $2.5 million.

The plan points out that many campus buildings have their original roof systems, multiple roof systems or aging roof systems that leak and could affect classrooms and other space. This project will upgrade and rehabilitate deteriorating roofs and restore thermal efficiency to buildings.

Some of the capital funds — $1.5 million — will be used to acquire key properties adjacent to campus within YSU’s development perimeter.

That will include land on the west side of Fifth Avenue and some property in Smoky Hollow. It also will cover continued development of campus gateway projects and the construction of walkways and plazas to enhance the overall appearance of the campus.