Repository: UIHistories Project: Board of Trustees Minutes - 1938 [PAGE 468]

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466

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

[August 2

Wrestling 25 Maintenance 1 800 Publicity and Advertising 100 Policing Tennis Courts 300 Publicity Man for History of Mr. Huff's Life 500 Gold Baseballs for Championship Baseball Team 140 C. E. Bowen—car expense 250 Band 500 T h e following special appropriation has been made out of surplus as of June 30, 1937: Football field cover $9 200 I recommend approval of these adjustments.

On motion of Mr. Wieland, these adjustments were confirmed.

AUDITORIUM REPAIRS AND REMODELING (7) Pursuant to the action of the Board of Trustees at its meeting on July 16, 1937, the Director of the Physical Plant Department is here to submit a report giving an estimate of the cost of repairs and improvements in the University Auditorium necessary to make the building safe and presentable for public use.

Mr. Havens presented the following report.

REPORT ON THE AUDITORIUM

In accordance with the report adopted by the Board of Trustees on July 16, 1937 (Minutes, page 314), we have estimated the cost of the program outlined at $3S,ooo. In this amount is approximately $8,000 for reducing the curvature of the ceiling. This was included at Professor Watson's suggestion, in order to reduce the echo. I believe, however, that the Board was more interested in it as an improvement that would reduce the fire hazard and weight. The new area in the ceiling, as now planned, would be only 10 per cent (approximately) of the total wood framed surface area (including main roof), and 16 per cent of the ceiling. With the use of steel bar joists and plaster, however, it is doubtful if there would be any material reduction in weight accomplished. On the other hand, practically all building codes and ordinances would require that if any but the most minor remodeling work were done on a building not up to code standards, then the entire building should be reconstructed to these standards. All modern building codes require structures for this type of occupancy to be of fireproof construction. W h e t h e r or not we are required to do so by law, the University should conform to such sound engineering practices as represented in the building codes. Accordingly, we cannot recommend the partial removal of combustible materials represented by the proposed reconstruction involved in changing the curvature of the ceiling. Therefore, based on the above assumptions, one of the following alternatives may be chosen: (1) Complete the balance of the work recommended by the Buildings and Grounds Committee (i.e., make structural changes and repairs to Auditorium ceiling and balcony framing; replace knob and tube wiring; replace existing acoustical material and redecorate interior). T h e total cost of this work would be approximately $27,000. However, as stated above, although the fire hazard would be reduced, considerable risk would still remain. (2) Completely fireproof the building. This would necessitate replacing the roof, ceiling, and balcony. Although we have not estimated this in detail, it is probable that the total cost would approach $150,000, or more than the original cost of the building. Even if funds were available, we do not believe this would be justifiable because the seating capacity and stage facilities would still be entirely inadequate. (3) The other alternative is to study the possibility of remodeling the building for other uses (such as a museum or administration building, etc.) and look forward to the provision of a new Auditorium on another site.