Last week the University approved a six-year plan allowing for renovations to the Rotunda. These will be the first renovations made to the Rotunda since the 1970s, according to Brian Hogg, senior preservation planner in the Office of the University Architect.
University Architect David Neuman will be heading the preliminary stage of what is currently known as the Capital Plan.
"Rather than doing a piecemeal series of repairs, the University has decided to take a comprehensive look at the building that will let us address the many different aspects," Hogg said.
Hogg added that there are no specific designs or layout plans for the renovations at this time.
"Nothing has been planned yet," Hogg said. "Right now we're in a research phase. We're expecting a draft report towards the end of February."
Colette Sheehy, vice president for management and budget, said the total cost amounts to approximately $40 million, most of which would cover the repair of structural damages.
"We do have water problems in the Rotunda, seeping through the plaster walls in the wings," Sheehy said. "We'll probably have to replace the dome. There are some cracks in it."
Sheehy added that there are also problems with the heat ventilation, air conditioning and elevator.
"At events we always need to keep an elevator mechanic on call," she said.
According to Sheehy, the state plans to fund half of the finalized costs; however, the General Assembly would not make the funds available until July 1, 2010.
Sheehy said the University will likely wait until that time to commence the project.
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