Proposed Fine Arts Center renovation bond

[RhowdyRam02]

They're saving half of it, demolishing the rest then building a new building to replaced the demolished portion. When do steps two and three happen? Who knows

[RhowdyRam02]

It looks like part of Governor Raimondo's budget includes $50 million towards the Fine Arts Center that will be part of the $117 million higher education bond measure on November's ballot. So if the legislature allows it on the ballot and the voters approve we could see that project moving along in the summer of 2021

[ramster]

It looks like part of Governor Raimondo's budget includes $50 million towards the Fine Arts Center that will be part of the $117 million higher education bond measure on November's ballot. So if the legislature allows it on the ballot and the voters approve we could see that project moving along in the summer of 2021

What would that cover RR2? I noticed a lot of work currently in progress with the FA Center by Ahlborg Construction. Outside Walls and Bricklaying. Looking considerably better.

[RhowdyRam02]

Here's a website that talks a little bit about what the plans are and has a couple renderings, though it's probably about a year to a year and a half old so there might be some changes.

https://www.uri.edu/fineartscenter/

Essentially half of the building, the pods that haven't had work done to their outside walls, will be torn down and replaced with a new three story building

[ramster]

Wow. Nice. I’m all for improving the current buildings and erecting new buildings. The Fine Arts improvements are much needed.

[RF1]

That has always been one ugly ass building. Any change is probably for the better.

[Rhody74]

It was a mess in the early 70s shortly after it was built. Long overdue.

[Rhodymob05]

Huge for the campus. It’s a spotlight on upper college.

[RhowdyRam02]

Huge for the campus. It’s a spotlight on upper college.

A redone Fine Arts Center along with the new engineering building is going to be a great upper gateway to the campus from Flagg Rd.

[RF1]

Was on campus this past weekend and biked all around it. The Fine Arts Center is still in the process of being renovated. Looked like not much recent work has been done. Different parts of the complex have been renovated. The changes have made a big difference. Much of the exterior is being covered in a dark brown tinted brick covering up the ugly concrete exterior facade. Looks far better. There does not seem to be much rhyme or reason to this layman as to how the work is being undertaken. Reno work has been completed on different parts (extreme opposite corners) with much in between not yet touched. Any changes to the Brutalist design of this structure is an improvement.

[ramster]

Picture from Upper College Road of Fine Arts Center
Across street from Engineering Complex
Work continues on beautifying the building

[RhowdyRam02]

Sort of. On the left where you see the kind of gray brick, that is staying. The center and right where you see the exposed concrete, that is being demolished for the new structure

[Rhody74]

Demolishing is an upgrade.