Rising costs affect efforts

The rising cost of commodities is forcing officials to assess the situation’s effects on University construction projects.

Steel and concrete cost more than they have in the past, members of the Board of Trustees’ Buildings and Grounds Committee said Wednesday, and it’s driving up the cost of development.

A main point of contention was a change in the design plans for construction of two new residence communities on Bowles Drive that will provide the campus with apartment-style living. The housing is slated to open in July 2006.

The project, plans for which were finalized in 2003, has faced increased costs this year. Officials are looking to change the original plan to stay within their maximum budget of $81 million.

A team led by Bruce Runberg, associate vice chancellor for facilities planning and construction, brought a proposal before the committee to make the buildings in the Craige West Community four stories high instead of the originally designed five stories.

The new community is included in the second phase of the Bowles Drive project.

The changes also would entail converting the smallest building in the community from single-occupancy to double-occupancy rooms.

Runberg said these changes are the most cost-effective way to remain below budget and still maintain an acceptable number of rooms in the project.

“We think there is a market for the double-room solution,” he said. “Some students would prefer the price of sharing a room.”

Officials estimated a single room would cost $3,510 per semester while a double room was projected at $2,520.

But committee members were skeptical of the new design and said the apartments would be too cramped.

In the double-room occupancy scenario, six students would share two bathrooms, a living room and kitchen.

After comparing costs to those of other residence halls on campus, as well as the effectiveness of similar on-campus apartments at other institutions, the committee approved the design.

The full Board of Trustees later approved this recommendation.

Trustees also approved designs for the new N.C. Cancer Hospital and a memorial to UNC alumni who died serving their country.

The new hospital will replace the Gravely Building with a new hospital located on Manning Drive. The memorial site will be located next to Memorial Hall on Cameron Avenue.

Runberg’s team also gave an update on the University’s capital improvement projects.

Thirty-one of the projects have been completed, 32 are under construction and 70 are in the design phase.

“Overall I thought the meeting went very well,” said Trustee Roger Perry, chairman of the committee.

“We have many construction projects under way and a lot to look forward to.”

Contact the University Editor udesk@unc.edu.