Washburn University considering $10 million athletic plan

TOPEKA (KSNT) – The Washburn University Board of Regents is expected to vote on five action items that could result in the university spending up to $10 million on facilities upgrades, a systems audit and other contracts.

On Wednesday, the Washburn University Board of Regents is set to discuss an Athletic Corridor Master Plan, a campus mechanical audit contract, an advertising contract, a research contract and the renewal of a transportation contract.

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Athletic Corridor Master Plan

Over the last several months, Washburn University has been working on an Athletic Corridor Master Plan (ACMP) that would make improvements along College Avenue from Durow Road to Southwest 18th Street. The plan is expected to cost between $9 million and $10 million and would be privately funded.

The plan includes:

• Tennis complex improvements
  • $2.5 million-$3 million.
  • Expand the width of the tennis courts, add lighting and enhance fan seating.
• Tailgate Plaza
  • $1 million-$1.5 million.
  • Enhance a parking lot and improve landscaping for tailgating and add a small stage as a campus event space.
• Pathway enhancements
  • $500,000-$1 million.
  • Extend the lane north of tennis to connect College Avenue and Mulvane Street for access to the center of the campus.
  • Enhance the pedestrian pathway along the west side of College Avenue and improve the walkway to/from the Northwest entrance doors to Petro Allied Health Center.
• Football Locker Room renovation
  • Expand the Football Locker Room and renovate the existing space to include a lounge space and media area.

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Other action items

The board is expected to vote whether to approve spending over $200,000 with Walz Tetrick Advertising to continue its work in expanding its marketing to Kansas City. The project would be funded through university reserves.

The board is set to vote on whether to include a three-year research contract with Hanover Research to fund future projects. The university is looking to renew the contract for $270,000. The university is also expected to vote on a contract with Arrow Stage Lines for athletics transportation for $251,000.

Lastly, the Washburn Board of Regents is set to vote whether to enter an agreement with Trane to perform an audit on the university’s HVAC and mechanical systems. Trane’s proposal should be presented to the Board later this year. If the Board determines not to pursue the upgrades, a fee of 2% of the total proposed scope will be due to Trane.

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The Washburn University Board of Regents is scheduled meet from 11:45 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the McElroy Board Room at Morgan 200B on Wednesday, Aug. 12. You can read the meeting agenda by clicking here.

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