IU Kokomo Details Major Renovations

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Indiana University Kokomo is planning $14 million in renovations to its main building. Lawmakers approved funding for the project that includes equipment upgrades and new lab and classroom space.

Kokomo, Ind. — Indiana University Kokomo's Main Building will receive its first major renovations in nearly two decades, with $14 million in funding from the Indiana General Assembly.

Interim Chancellor Susan-Sciame Giesecke said the upgrades are critically needed on the building, which was the first on the Washington Street campus. It was built in 1965.

“These funds will ensure that our major classroom building is ready to support our continued growth,” she said. “It will allow us not only to update windows and mechanical systems, but also to repurpose key academic areas to add a new mathematics lab, Mac lab, and new classrooms. I want to thank our local legislators, State Senators Jim Buck and Randy Head, as well as State Representatives Bill Friend, Mike Karickhoff, and Heath VanNatter, for their support of our campus during this past legislative session.”

Faculty Senate President Chris Darr said faculty members are enthusiastic about the plans.

“We are excited about the renovations, and thrilled that the chancellor, the trustees, and the legislature have supported this project,” he said. “These renovations will help create a better learning environment in our campus' original building.”

Renovations will include upgrades to the heating and cooling systems and electrical systems for the entire building, along with installing more energy efficient windows and doors. It also will include asbestos removal and replacement of ceilings and fixtures where it is removed. The IU Board of Trustees approved the plans at its recent meeting.

John Sarber, director of physical facilities, anticipates that IU will assign architects and engineers to the project quickly.

“These are critically-needed renovations, and we are grateful for the support,” he said.

Indiana University Kokomo serves north central Indiana.

Source: Indiana University Kokomo