The University of Oklahoma Board of Regents has approved a plan to build three above-ground storm shelters on the Norman campus.
The regents agreed to several construction proposals during its Thursday meeting, according to the Tulsa World.
Regents authorized the use of $12 million from general obligation bond proceeds to build what were described as three storm-hardened, 4,200-square-foot multipurpose buildings in three university apartment complexes: Traditions Square-East, Traditions Square-West and Kraettli Apartments.
Also Thursday, the board authorized leaders to negotiate a construction management contract with Flintco in preliminary steps for a planned $370 million expansion and renovation of Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium.
Regents authorized the administration to negotiate an at-risk construction management contract with Flintco and to spend up to $3 million on preliminary expenses. An at-risk construction management services agreement sets a maximum total price for a project, with the contractor acting as a consultant in the design and planning of the project and as general contractor during construction. Proposed changes to the stadium include seats in the southeast and southwest corners to completely close in the stadium, construction of a new press box and improved lighting.
The regents also agreed to hire an architectural firm for the development of a new energy and technology research center.
The existing Sarkeys Energy Center was completed in the early 1990s, and in explaining the need for the facility, OU President David Boren said that “we are bulging at the seams in all energy-related fields.” Later in the meeting, regents agreed to the purchase of three parcels of land adjacent to the campus, including one just south of the proposed energy center. Boren said long-term plans call for a multistory parking garage at the location.
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