State legislature allocates $4.9 million for Old CE renovation
By Wei Liao/ Student Publications
The Old CE building was constructed in 1939. Funding for renovations is making its way through the state legislature.
The state legislature recently passed two appropriation bills allocating $4.9 million for the renovation of Tech ' s Old Civil Engineering building.
If final approval for the funding is given during the 2006 fiscal year, the building will reach completion sometime during 2007.
Once renovated, the building may eventually become the new home of the Ivan Allen College.
Earlier this year the Georgia Senate and House of Representatives of Georgia each approved the funding in separate appropriation bills. However, Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue did not approve the initial proposal from Tech, so a budget committee was formed within the legislature.
" A conference committee of representatives - three from the House and three from the Senate - will work out the differences in the two versions of the appropriation bills, " said Andrew Harris, Jr., director of Government Relations. " That process of the conference committee will begin in the next week or 10 days. "
Harris said he remains " optimistic " that the House, the Senate and Perdue will approve the funding.
The Old Civil Engineering building is largely unused due to the state of its disrepair. Only two classes are currently held on the premises, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences 1600 and 1601. It housed the School of Modern Languages briefly last year, but the school relocated to O ' Keefe.
Renovations will include exterior alterations such as brick work and window replacements for better energy efficiency within the building. The replacement of the current HVAC system and the installation of new bathroom fixtures are the major interior changes planned.
Fifth-year senior Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISYE) student Jonathan Dorris currently takes EAS 1600 in the Old Civil Engineering building. He said he believes renovations would greatly improve the learning environment. " Overall, it seems to be an old and decrepit building. " The Old Civil Engineering Building was first constructed in 1939 and is part of Tech ' s core historical district, located on South Campus. " The old Coon building was renovated two years ago, " Harris said. " The character of the old Coon building is still there. The original doors were stained but remain the same. "
Harris said similar efforts will be made to improve the Old Civil Engineering building ' s construction while maintaining its " character, " as well. Harris also pointed to Tech Tower as a historical building on campus that " needs some renovations " in the near future.
