BGSU ponders center to replace Anderson Arena

4/2/2005

BOWLING GREEN - A company has been named to conduct a feasibility study for a possible new convocation center in place of Anderson Arena at Bowling Green State University.

Bob Waddle, assistant vice president for capital planning at BGSU, told university trustees at a financial affairs/facilities committee meeting yesterday that HNTB Corp. will be in charge of the study, which is expected to begin this month and be completed in August.

The company will determine cost estimates and develop site plans pertaining to the possible creation of a new facility on campus. If the university decides to pursue the plans, such a center would replace the 45-year-old Anderson Arena.

The university is still negotiating with the company to determine its technical proposal and a fee. BGSU has designated $150,000 in state and local funds for the feasibility study.

In other matters yesterday, the committee heard a presentation from BGSU human resources and financial personnel regarding a study of the university's health care offerings.

University leaders have hired Findley Davies to help them look at some possible health care changes. One such proposal they're looking at is having employee contribution amounts tiered by income levels. Another is the concept of extending health benefits to part-time faculty and staff.

Leaders said yesterday they hope to have any new health care changes in place by January.