Proposal made for new facilities redesign

by Nick Schober
Staff Writer

It seems that the University of La Verne is finally ready to take on a slight overhaul.

The proposed plans of redesigning certain areas of the ULV campus are finally being seriously discussed by a planning commission.

The scheduled revisions are aimed primarily at the newly acquired properties, including the old post office and a house at 1868 Third Street.

"Parts of the campus could use a facelift, but more importantly the university must plan new spaces for the future," said ULV director of facilities Brian Worley.

There are two main projects drawn up and ready to spring into action.

The first will be the outdoor approach to the heavily out-dated Student Center, the other is the renovation of Founders Auditorium.

These renovations are on hold until enough funding can be raised.

Also, as early as this summer, the Hoover Annex modulars will be removed and the Office of Information Technology will be moved into part of the old post office building on Third Street. There are also plans to move the Institute of Multicultural Research and Campus Diversity to the new property at 1868 Third Street.

Much larger projects are also on the brains of ULV planners, including the issues revolving around the athletic facilities, adding or renovating residence halls, renovating the dining hall, renovating the Student Center and a ULV student favorite, improving the parking system.

Much of the proposed planning discussion hinges on the 20 acres that comprise "Campus West," and the possibility of the addition of another 30 acres directly adjacent to that property.

"How this property might best be utilized and the costs related to such a project is the focus of many discussions and scenarios," Worley said.

Apparently, several of the buildings on the ULV campus are thought of as under par.

"I have concerns about the relative condition of many of the buildings on campus, due to the inability of the operating budget to properly fund the maintenance and repair of facilities," Worley said.

He also said that the University has an estimated backlog of $20 million in deferred maintenance.

Some of the buildings becoming a very high priority are the Student Center, Stu-Han residence hall, Founders Auditorium, and Dailey Theater.

Besides mere renovation, improvements need to be made in order to keep up with the ever changing pace of education.

"Added to this are the facilities that need to be adapted to more adequately serve current programs or changing functions," Worley said.

And there is plenty more where that came from.

The University may also be actively involved in helping the city of La Verne in acquiring a stretch of light track railroad.

The Gold Line is looking to expand its rail from Pasadena to Rancho Cucamonga and the city is interested in implementing the line as well as putting in a stop just south of the campus on First Street.

According to Worley, this particular addition to the city will not affect student tuition.

So what changes will affect tuition?

"Unfortunately, at La Verne our operating budget is more dependent upon tuition than we would like it to be," Worley said.

Besides tuition, Worley also stated that many of the larger projects will be funded primarily by large donations and fund-raising campaigns.

The university is severely under-funded in terms of facilities and maintenance, which tends not to be uncommon among private universities, Worley said.

"But the extent to which we are under-funded gives cause for concern. I am in no position to say what impact, if any, there will be on tuition," he said.

For more information contact Worley at extension 4340.