University receives $17 million to plan building upgrades
The University of Calgary will get $17 million over two years to look at redeveloping two of its oldest buildings.
Advanced Education Minister Marlin Schmidt was on hand at the university Friday — its 50th anniversary — to announce the funding which was contained in the 2016 budget, released April 14. The government is committing $8.6 million for two years for planning redesigns of the MacKimmie Block and Tower buildings, and to increase space for nursing and social work programming.
The MacKimmie Block was built in 1963 and the Tower buildings followed nine years later in 1972.
During the $17-million planning stage, the facilities team will spend several months hiring consultants, assessing the current building and its systems, developing budgets and schedules and researching options for the temporary relocation of staff. While student, faculty and staff will be affected by the construction phase of the project, the goal is to minimize the impact as much as possible.
In the past, university administration estimated it could cost about $100 million to repurpose the complex, and designs were worked on as early as 2009.
U of C President Elizabeth Cannon said repurposing the complex rather than demolishing will save up to $85 million. In addition to opening and modernizing the buildings, the redevelopment is expected to add more space.
“We appreciate the support of the provincial government, as it is critical for meeting the growing demand from current students and those looking to upgrade their skills,” Cannon said Friday. “The redevelopment will allow us to consolidate student services and add new study and classroom space within the heart of the main campus.”
The MacKimmie Library Block and Tower is named for Ross A. MacKimmie, a two-term chairman of the board of governors. The library block houses a rare book area on the 12th floor which is humidity controlled and specially fire protected.
The complex is also home to the Student Enrolment Services Office and Campus Tours Office.
The complex became available for new uses after the main library was moved to the new Taylor Family Digital Library in 2011. Together, the library block and tower have about 20,000 square metres of available space.
The redevelopment will allow us to consolidate student services and add new study and classroom space.