Days are numbered: ISU asking for towers demolition money

TERRE HAUTE Demolition of Indiana State Universitys Statesman Towers is expected to begin late this year or early next year, according to university officials.

The entire project cost, including relocation of utilities, salvage work, abatement work and actual demolition, will cost about $4 million, said Bryan Duncan, ISUs director of capital planning and improvements.

The $4 million pricetag will be funded through residence hall reserves and university facility reserves, said Diann McKee, ISU vice president for business affairs.

The two, 15-story structures, formerly used as residence halls and later as academic buildings, together have 320,000 square feet of space. They are located between Eighth and Ninth streets on the northeast part of campus, between Sycamore and Spruce streets.

Next week, the ISU Board of Trustees will be asked to approve a firm for architectural and engineering services and preparation of construction documents for the bidding process.

ISU also must secure necessary state approvals for the project because of its cost.

Once the project is bid and state approvals are in hand, McKee needs board approval to enable her to sign a contract with a demolition contractor.

She doesnt anticipate the project will be bid until late fall.

The massive project is going through a design process similar to what would occur for a new building, Duncan said.

ISU has already begun working with Schmidt and Associates to determine the best, safest and most cost-effective way to demolish the towers, whether through implosion or crane and wrecking ball, according to Duncan and McKee.

Continue reading here:
Days are numbered: ISU asking for towers demolition money