43
YSU vets center marches on
By Denise Dick
YOUNGSTOWN
Construction on Youngstown State University’s Veterans Resource Center is on pace for spring completion as fundraising continues.
“We’re pretty happy,” said John Hyden, YSU’s executive director of facilities. “We’re hoping for a little bit more warm weather.”
He said the masonry work is complete and the steel is in place, and soon the precast concrete panels that will form the building’s exterior will be in place.
The two-floor, 6,000-square-foot building on Wick Avenue is being constructed where the Peck House formerly stood.
Harry Meshel, YSU trustee who is also involved in fund- raising for the veterans center, said the group is nearing its $1.25 million goal.
He said the building will be furnished to be “efficiently luxurious,” meaning it will include the technology and office equipment that students need.
The center will have staff to help veterans navigate through the financial aid process, and offer help with classes.
The group hopes to raise additional money, though, to create a veterans group on campus to help veterans and their families.
“We want to make life as comfortable and as affordable as we can make it because they deserve it,” Meshel said.
This is the first project for which YSU has used a design-build contract — which allows building to begin while design is ongoing.
It’s a new process for Ohio’s public institutions.
Previously, design had to be completed, the project advertised for bids, a contract awarded and construction begun.
Adolph Johnson and Son Co. of Mineral Ridge is the project contractor.
“We’re really happy with it,” Hyden said.
The process is streamlined, he said.
Rather than having to deal with multiple subcontractors, the university deals only with the one contractor, he said.