Repository: UIHistories Project: Board of Trustees Minutes - 1936 [PAGE 119]

EXTRACTED TEXT FROM PAGE:

1935]

UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS

117

A. This property is now probably at an all-time low point in price. The normal enhancement of values following business recovery will undoubtedly increase the cost of these properties if their acquisition is deferred. B. The Federal Housing Project, two blocks east, will cause certain migrations into this area. C. Plans of the Medical Park at Chicago contemplate the creation of a public park probably two blocks to the west. D. There are plans for a West Side Super-Highway, such as the Congress Street Project, sponsored by the Metropolitan Housing Corporation. 3. That the University immediately purchase certain lots, and that the Department of Public Welfare be asked to acquire other lots. 4. That the University dispose of the old medical building at 508 South Honore Street and, as soon as the second unit of the Medical and Dental Laboratories Building has been completed, it also dispose of the present College of Dentistry Building. Obsolete buildings in this area are now being demolished. By adopting a program of acquiring the above properties the State of Illinois will materially assist in the reclamation of this area. On motion of Mr. Trees, these recommendations were referred to the Finance Committee and the Committee on Chicago Departments for consideration and report to the Board. FEDERAL FUNDS FOR ARMORY ANNEX (25) The Professor of Military Science and Tactics recommends that an application be made to the Federal Emergency Administration of Public Works for an allotment of funds for the construction of an armory annex or riding hall as a Federal project at a total estimated cost of $400,000. The Director of the Physical Plant Department estimates that the construction of such a building would add a minimum of $10,000 annually to the operating expenses of his department. The Board expressed its willingness to allow the application to be made and to accept this building under certain conditions if it should be constructed as a Federal project.

CONSTRUCTION OF BUILDINGS AT UNIVERSITY AS A PART OF THE FEDERAL-STATE WORK RELIEF PROGRAM

(26) A letter from the Chancellor's Office of the University of Nebraska suggesting a possible correlation of the needs for new buildings and other capital improvements at state universities with the work relief programs of the several states. On motion of Mr. Barr, the President of the Board was requested to appoint a special committee to study this matter and to report to the Board. President Williams appointed the President of the University, the University Counsel, Mr. Wieland, and Mr. Barr to serve on this committee.

RADIO STATION W - l - L - L

(27) A request from the Director of Radio Station W-I-L-L for permission to make application for an increase of power to 5000 watts. Mr. Josef F. Wright, Director of the Station, made a statement supporting his request. On motion of Mr. Barrett, this application was authorized.

RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE

Mr. Trees presented the following recommendations of the Finance Committee.