Repository: UIHistories Project: Board of Trustees Minutes - 1938 [PAGE 156]

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154

BOAHD OF TRUSTEES

[January 29

culture. The Committee believes that such an opportunity should be seized to build a new Abattoir and Meat Laboratory combined. 2. In the program of the first biennium (1937-1939) the first unit of a new Biology Laboratory is placed, after careful consideration, for three main reasons: (a) Necessity of providing quarters for some of the laboratory and research work now carried on under very unfavorable conditions, (b) Advisability of arranging as early as possible for the very desirable loco-affiliation of Natural History Survey, Natural History Library and Museum, and the biological sciences, (c) Necessity of affording relief to Journalism which it is found can be done by remodeling part of the Natural History Building now occupied by the museum and arranging for rooms around a large central area approximately in accordance with Director Murphy's plans, but at much lower cost than a new Journalism building. This Natural History building site will have the additional advantage of permitting an almost unlimited expansion, whereas a new building with the design proposed would be very difficult architecturally to increase in size. 3. The hospital is considered essential to the welfare of students. Its omission from the first biennium might be cause for greater criticism if not disaster than almost any other building item. It seems imperative if compulsory student membership in the Hospital Association is to be adopted within a few years. 4. The lands in Urbana seem to be necessary for some building needs in the succeeding biennium and for other purposes. In the second biennium (1939-1941), the new power plant seems necessary for providing a proper supply of steam and electric current. Studies on the location are necessary in view of uncertainty regarding the life of rail service to the plant. The second unit of Chemistry building should follow the rather small emergency addition and remodeled unit of the first biennium. The Mechanical Engineering building is needed because of the very unsatisfactory housing facilities now available. It is recommended by the College of Engineering Executive Committee as the building most needed in that college. The registration in Mechanical Engineering is increasing more rapidly than in any other department of the college. The department now uses parts of four different buildings in the engineering group, thus crowding other departments which are also in need of space. Beyond the second biennium the arrangement is based on what seem to be reasonable interpretations of the relative needs and educational values affected. I shall not attempt to present the ideas of the Committee in any elaborate form for the items in succeeding bienniums. These can be presented more fully and satisfactorily, I believe, at a later date. The Committee is unanimous in the recommendations contained herein, but all the members recognize that factors might arise any time to make a rearrangement or curtailment seem desirable. Respectfully yours, H. T. Scovm. Chairman, Committee on Future Building Program Composite List of Requests and Proposals for New Buildings and Land Acquisitions December 20, 1935 Requests for New Buildings 1. Second unit of Medical and Dental College Laboratories Building 2. Mining and Metallurgy Laboratory 3. Addition to Library, approved for immediate consideration1

'Appropriation made by 59th General Assembly; vetoed by the Governor.