Indiana State University is preparing to begin work on a $50 million renovation of its arena on the Terre Haute campus.
The university says the planned improvements to the 45-year-old Hulman Center include replacing outdated mechanical and electrical systems and failing exterior metal panel cladding and curtain walls; updating safety systems for fire suppression and key areas of the existing catwalk above the bowl area; and adding a second, larger elevator.
"We are excited to kick off this much-needed upgrade to a highly used community asset," says Deborah J. Curtis, president of Indiana State University. "We are looking forward to the countless community events, concerts, dinners, basketball games, lectures and other activities that will take place in the newly renovated Hulman Center in years to come."
Constructed and opened in 1973, Hulman Center has served as the university's focal point for community engagement and activities in downtown Terre Haute. Situated on the campus's southeast edge, the Hulman Center, which has 174,000 gross square feet, bridges campus life with the city and plays host to hundreds of events.
University officials have chosen Hannig Construction of Terre Haute as contractor for the renovation. Hannig's base bid of $42.8 million was the lowest among three submitted.
Construction is set to begin soon and is expected to take 24 months. The university will continue to hold limited activities—including men's and women's basketball games—during the renovation. Heavy mechanical work will occur during the summer months.
Total cost for the project is $50 million, which includes construction costs as well as soft costs such as design. Funding for the renovation comes from $37.5 million appropriated by the state and $12.5 million from university gifts, cash reserves and borrowing.
The project, which was expected to begin last summer, had to be redesigned and rebid when the low bid was $5 million higher than construction estimates.
