Construction on 15 Park Place, the vacant building next to Baker University Center, will not be completed until the end of February - one month later than the original target date.
The renovation of the building was originally scheduled to be completed by the end of this month, but unexpected poor weather caused delays in the project, said Katie Quaranta, an OU spokeswoman. The building, which previously housed the Sigma Chi fraternity, will be used as the new Walter International Education Center.
The Walter International Education Center will hold the offices of the Center for International Studies, which are currently scattered in different buildings across campus, and the International Student and Faculty Services, part of the Office of Diversity, Access, and Equity.
What I hope will happen is (the new international center) will give a focus on what we do in international education and attract students and faculty to come here for that program
said OU President Roderick McDavis in November. We hope it will also get more students interested in study abroad.
The project will cost about $3.14 million by the time it is completed, including the renovation and purchase. Robert and Margaret Walter, both of whom graduated from OU in 1967, donated $2 million toward the project in 2008 and OU covered the remaining $1.14 million. The renovation is currently on budget, Quaranta said. The Walters also provided the donation that constructed Margaret M. Walter Hall.
Construction on the building began this past April, and the sidewalk in front of the building will likely remain closed until construction is completed, said Harry Wyatt, associate vice president for Facilities, in November.
None of the money used for the project is coming from students, said Becky Watts, chief of staff to OU President Roderick McDavis, in an October interview. The $1.14 million OU is spending comes from a fund set aside by the provost's office as well as utility savings from last year's budget.
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Pamela Engel
