During the last South Plains College (SPC) Board of Regents meeting, the group received an extensive construction update from SPC President, Dr. Robin Satterwhite.
The update began with a PowerPoint presentation of the completed renovations of Frazier Hall. The presentation included before and after photos of various areas that were addressed.
“These renovations have changed the whole dynamic of Frazier,” said Satterwhite. “We really feel like we have created a newer feeling within the residence hall that our students can be proud of.”
Satterwhite added that a lot was learned from this go around and a model was essentially made out of those efforts which can be utilized for any future residence hall renovations.
“There are a lot of unknowns when you start tearing into a 60year-old building,” said Satterwhite. 'I think we are prepared now to move onto the next one when we get to that point. It just takes time and money.”
Regent Richard Ellis asked if a price per square foot was available, but a price could not be given. Satterwhite did inform the group that the entirety of the project did fall shy of $1 million.
With the residence hall being designed with 26 beds and single occupancy rooms for women, Ellis added the price point is a fraction of the cost of building a new hall from scratch.
“I really think this is something that is going to last for years,” added Satterwhite. “This was not just paint, flooring and ceilings. There was a lot to this.”
Vice President for Student Affairs, Dr. Stan DeMerritt added that with Frazier being a women’s private room facility, Stroud was turned into a men’s private room facility. However, if the needs are there, both halls could return to double-occupancy. Currently, the housing cost is an additional $500 for a private occupancy room and has upgraded the beds to full-size beds.
Moving along, Satterwhite provided an update regarding the track. Since the last meeting, the only item lacking was the striping on the track and that has been completed.
“It is just a really nice showpiece for us and it's something we can be proud of particularly as we start having our bids in for national track meet here,” said Satterwhite. “That will probably be several years down the road because they are already committed for the next two years.”
An update regarding the auditorium was given to the Board. Satterwhite explained that staff had begun looking at seating. The seating looked at is similar to what Texas Tech has in their performing auditorium.
“It is nice seating and would look great in our auditorium,” said Satterwhite. “We were starting to get quotes on carpet in addition to looking at colors and trying to get schemes together. When we get all that compiled, we will be bringing this to you [Board].”
Storm repairs are still ongoing for several entities including SPC. Satterwhite informed the group that they are looking at 11 roofs needing repair.
He added that it is really 10 roofs, but the consultants have considered the roof connecting the Cosmetology and Nursing programs as two instead of one.
With the specifications in hand, the college is currently going out for bids on the repairs. Satterwhite is hopeful the bids by April. The college is having to bid out the projects individually instead of one according to FEMA. “Right now, we are seeing FEMA paying 75% of all of these cases,” said Satterwhite. “We feel very good about that.”
In regard to the Aquatic Center (Natatorium) Satterwhite informed the Board that he has put a slight hold on the project as he is revisiting with the architects and construction management.
The goal is to re-evaluate the plans to find some additional cost savings while still meeting the desired goals the college hopes to achieve with the facility.
“I have not signed any contracts yet to move forward, but I'm not trying to intentionally delay it,” explained Satterwhite. I'll be updating you on that as we move forward, but we are moving forward.”
Another item Satterwhite is waiting for is a core or soil sample that was taken from where the foundation of the pool was located.
“I wanted to make sure I have a firm feel for what the foundation of soil is before we commit to something that we may not have the right foundation for,” explained Satterwhite.
An action item presented by Satterwhite dealt with the Ag Department’s greenhouse located adjacent from the Texan Dome. The item calls for the replacement of the greenhouse panels for $52,403.25.
The panels were damaged by the storm which resulted in the project being put out for bids and received one bid from King Consultants.
Satterwhite added that FEMA requires the bidding process for such projects as a result of storms.
Following the presentation of the item, the group approved the item. Regents Cathy Mitchel and Chris Edens were absent from the meeting.