Regents approve design development documents for housing complex

Posted by Jayme Blaschke
University News Service
May 21, 2010

Regents of the Texas State University System Friday approved the design development documents for the North Campus Housing Complex project at Texas State University-San Marcos.

The project, designed by Kirksey Architects of Houston, has an estimated cost of approximately $46 million. The complex, with a budget originally estimated at approximately $63 million, is part of the campus master plan adopted by the Board of Regents in May 2005. The current figure of $46 million, reflecting major cost savings on the project, is the result of current market conditions and construction techniques.

The North Campus Housing Complex will be a 612-bed traditional student residence facility to be centrally located on campus near the LBJ Student Center at the corner of Comanche Street and Sessom Drive. The new facility will provide replacement beds for the planned demolition of antiquated student housing to make way for the Performing Arts Complex and other academic buildings.

Meeting in Austin on Thursday and Friday, May 20 and 21, the TSUS Board of Regents also authorized Texas State to extend the current foodservice contract with Chartwells.

Originally bid in 1998, and extended in 2004 through 2013, the extension will run until 2023 at no increase in cost. A total of $11,814,000 in capital funds will be allocated for an array of dining hall renovations, including the opening of a new full-service restaurant in the LBJ Student Center on campus. In addition, Chartwells will make in-kind donations and cash contributions totaling $1,820,000 during the extension.

The regents also authorized Texas State to enter into a contract with ASI Campus Laundry Solutions to provide apartment and residence hall laundry machines and service.

The contract will run for a period of 10 years beginning July 1, at a cost to the university not to exceed $194,500 per year. The contract "piggybacks" on the University of Texas at Austin's laundry program contract, which includes language in the contract terms allowing other state institutions of higher education to participate in the program for enhanced cost savings.

The Texas State University System is the oldest multi-campus system in Texas and plays a critical role in the educational and economic development of the state. Its eight component institutions are Texas State University-San Marcos, Lamar University, Sam Houston State University, Sul Ross State University, Sul Ross State University Rio Grande College, Lamar Institute of Technology, Lamar State College-Orange and Lamar State College-Port Arthur.