Stadium renovations

The board authorized the university to begin renovating the second and third floors of the Spartan Stadium Tower — which houses the university’s fundraising arm, known as "University Advancement" — in hopes of better courting donors. 

The resolution notes that the renovations are "necessary prior to the public launch" of the university’s upcoming capital campaign, plans for which The State News first reported in November. (An earlier version of the resolution posted to the board’s website noted that the campaign would have a fundraising goal of $3 billion, but that detail no longer appears on the resolution, and a university spokesperson said the detail was errantly included and incorrect.)

The resolution suggests that the space, once renovated, will host donor events and, in turn, boost the university’s fundraising capacity. 

"These renovations will elevate visitors’ first impression of the University Advancement office, aligning it with the university’s goals of fostering engagement, building stronger relationships with donors and alumni, and supporting a dynamic and inclusive work environment," the resolution said. 

The renovations will consist of consolidating University Advancements office spaces, thus "freeing up 8,300 square feet of valuable space for other institutional needs," as well as new "single-occupant and accessible toilet rooms" and "personal health health rooms." The budget for the renovations will be $15 million and will be funded from "University Advancement existing funds, fundraising, and investment income," the resolution says. 

The renovations of the second and third floors come amid broader capital improvements to Stadium, several of which were approved by the board at its December meeting.  

Tennis facilities upgrade

The board authorized the university to proceed with major renovations to the campus tennis facility at the corner of Chestnut Road and Wilson Road. 

A dedicated facility providing restrooms, locker rooms and team spaces for the university’s tennis program will be built to “ensure that the tennis program meets Big Ten standards,” the resolution says. The tennis program currently lacks a dedicated building and shares a locker room with the public at the indoor tennis facility on Mt. Hope Road.

The outdoor tennis courts will be rebuilt to address the current playing surface’s deteriorating condition and improve spectator viewing areas.

The project will be funded through an already-secured $10 million donation specifically for the tennis program. The new facility will be named through a "donor recognition process, honoring the individual’s contribution to the university’s growth and the advancement of its athletics program."

Farm lane improvements

The board approved the administration to plan reconstructions on a segment of Farm Lane that would include adding bike lanes and installing infrastructure.

The plan would reconstruct the signalized intersections where Farm Lane intersects with South Shaw Lane and Wilson Road to "promote pedestrian and vehicle safety" while adding bike lanes to the only section of Farm Lane without them. Driveways along the affected part of Farm Lane will also be reconstructed.

The plan also includes replacing electrical and communications infrastructure as well as installing a new water main, steam distribution mains and a new sanitary and storm sewer along Farm Lane. 

The project is estimated to cost $22 million and is expected to be completed in time to provide utility services for the opening of the Plant and Environmental Science building in December 2026. 

IM West Demolition vote delayed

The board did not vote on a plan to demolish Intramural Recreative Sports West — also known as IM West — at the meeting.

The board will likely vote on the proposed plan at a subsequent meeting, according to a university spokesperson.