UM Approves Millions in Infrastructure Projects

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At its April 21, 2011 meeting, the University of Michigan board of regents approved several infrastructure projects. Two items related to information technology (IT) infrastructure, totaling $8.9 million. Regents authorized a $2.7 million annual maintenance and replacement program for information and technology services in fiscal 2012. The program includes three major projects: (1) replacing the networking infrastructure for UM’s data network in campus buildings; (2) replacing the Northwood Housing network infrastructure; and (3) making upgrades to campus voice systems.

Regents also approved construction of a $6.2 million data center on the north campus, located near the UM Transportation Research Institute. The facility, which will be designed by Integrated Design Solutions LLC, is being built in response to increased demand for research computing and data storage capacity. Construction is expected to be finished by the spring of 2012.

Regents authorized staff to issue bids and award construction contracts for an $11 million renovation and addition at the Michigan Memorial Phoenix Laboratory, which houses the Michigan Memorial Phoenix Energy Institute. The project includes renovating about 10,000 square feet of lab space for energy-related research, and building a 10,000-square-foot addition for administrative functions. Regents approved the schematic design at their September 2010 meeting.

Finally, regents approved a $1.3 million renovation to the UM Orthotics and Prosthetics Center, located at the Eisenhower Corporate Park West facility. The project will renovate roughly 12,500 square feet, resulting in a higher-capacity clinic space and expanded laboratory area with accommodations for new programs. A3C Collaborative Architecture will design the project, which is expected to be complete by the spring of 2012.

This brief was filed just after the meeting’s adjournment from the regents boardroom in the Fleming administration building. A more detailed report will follow: [link]