2008 Woodie Awards
New-look arena? No, new building
Kiel McLaughlin
Sports | 7/6/08
Plans for a new-look Towson Center have changed once again. What was originally a $5 million budget for new seats in the 32-year-old facility has evolved into an entirely new arena adjacent to the current building.
The project is estimated to cost $45.4 million dollars, more than a 50 percent increase from the renovation plans the University had in place less than six months ago. The construction will be funded through University funds and auxiliary bonds, according to a release.
"One of the issues you run into when dealing with a renovation is you don't know exactly how much it will cost until you're already into it," athletic director Mike Hermann said. "Building a new facility makes much more sense. A new building will be just as, if not more, cost effective than renovating the Towson Center as it is now."
The two structures will be connected through the lower locker room level of the Towson Center. Current plans will place the additional area facility on part of Lot 21 between the Towson Center and the Auburn House.
The University is still working with architects to design the new facility because according to Hermann, "they are starting design work back at square one."
He projects the designs should be available in the fall. According to the release, construction is scheduled to begin in July 2009 for completion by July 2011.
A contributing factor in the University's decision to move toward the construction of the new facility is flexibility in what can be included in the plans. Rather than working within the framework of the current Towson Center, Hermann said, they can build it to their exact specifications.
"If we want 5,000 quality seats, we can do that without having to squeeze here and there and make other adjustments," he said.
The new facility will be designed to create a greater "arena feel," Hermann said. Those attending an event in the new facility will enter at the concourse level before entering the arena area and walking down toward their seats and the court. The court will be constructed on the locker room level of the Towson Center so that athletes can walk directly to the court after pregame preparations.
The project is estimated to cost $45.4 million dollars, more than a 50 percent increase from the renovation plans the University had in place less than six months ago. The construction will be funded through University funds and auxiliary bonds, according to a release.
"One of the issues you run into when dealing with a renovation is you don't know exactly how much it will cost until you're already into it," athletic director Mike Hermann said. "Building a new facility makes much more sense. A new building will be just as, if not more, cost effective than renovating the Towson Center as it is now."
The two structures will be connected through the lower locker room level of the Towson Center. Current plans will place the additional area facility on part of Lot 21 between the Towson Center and the Auburn House.
The University is still working with architects to design the new facility because according to Hermann, "they are starting design work back at square one."
He projects the designs should be available in the fall. According to the release, construction is scheduled to begin in July 2009 for completion by July 2011.
A contributing factor in the University's decision to move toward the construction of the new facility is flexibility in what can be included in the plans. Rather than working within the framework of the current Towson Center, Hermann said, they can build it to their exact specifications.
"If we want 5,000 quality seats, we can do that without having to squeeze here and there and make other adjustments," he said.
The new facility will be designed to create a greater "arena feel," Hermann said. Those attending an event in the new facility will enter at the concourse level before entering the arena area and walking down toward their seats and the court. The court will be constructed on the locker room level of the Towson Center so that athletes can walk directly to the court after pregame preparations.
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