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Ohio State Board Approves Construction Contracts

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COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Ohio State University Board of Trustees authorized for the university to enter into construction contracts for several projects this past November.

A major part of the authorized projects for the university in Columbus include upgrades to its athletic facilities. For instance, the board authorized for the university to enter into construction contracts totaling $49.7 million for Covelli Multi-Sport Arena/Jennings Family Wrestling Practice Facility, according to a statement. The new facility will seat about 3,700 people and will serve as the home for the men’s and women’s varsity volleyball teams as well as home and visiting locker rooms for competing teams. It will also serve as the home competition site for the men’s and women’s fencing and gymnastics teams as well as men’s wrestling.

Another $43 million was approved to replace the existing Biggs Facility in the Woody Hayes Athletic Center with the new Schumaker Student-Athlete Development Center. This facility will include an athletic training center; weight training and cardio conditioning; athletic offices; and nutrition, dining and production kitchens that allow student athletes to receive meals and snacks.

Last but not least, the board approved $39.1 million in upgrades to Ohio Stadium. The project includes electrical upgrades, C-deck concrete coating and restoration, and the addition of loge seating. The multiphase, multiyear project will maintain the essence of the historic stadium while modernizing it for future student needs.

Other projects approved by the board include:

  • Schottenstein Center Renovation: The $31.5 million project will include a north expansion and renovation of the center’s concourse to provide increased daylight, connections to the exterior, upgraded interior lighting, improved concession queuing, technology, wayfinding and graphics.
  • Bricker Hall Upgrades: About $5.2 million will be used to upgrade the HVAC on the second through fourth floors of the building in addition to replacing the plaster ceilings on the third floor.
  • Vet Hospital: The project will add a two-story space — one floor for a clinical skills lab and one floor for future shell space. The project is estimated at $7.6 million.