At the FGSU Pregame for Alumni and Fans, Thorr provided an update in response to some questions from attendees. He confirmed that the estimated cost is $8 million and $7.3 million has been committed. They are moving forward and will keep working on the additional $.7 needed.
Design firm has been chosen and is the same firm that designed the Ryan Center
Estimated by May of next year the project will be ready to put out for bid
Great meeting and participation
Re: Practice Facility
Posted: Mon Dec 06, 2021 7:13 pm
by RIFan
Thank you for the update!
Re: Practice Facility
Posted: Mon Dec 06, 2021 7:52 pm
by Rhody_NYCT
That’s what I like to hear!
Re: Practice Facility
Posted: Mon Dec 06, 2021 8:03 pm
by PeteRI
Now we need a fund to hire our next coach.
Re: Practice Facility
Posted: Mon Dec 06, 2021 8:18 pm
by rambone 78
My guess is, some big donors are getting their wallets warmed up.......
Re: Practice Facility
Posted: Mon Dec 06, 2021 8:22 pm
by Jersey77
rambone 78 wrote: ↑2 years ago
My guess is, some big donors are getting their wallets warmed up.......
How deep are your pockets, Rambone?
Re: Practice Facility
Posted: Mon Dec 06, 2021 9:12 pm
by Rhody72
I can't imagine a remodeled Tootell West costing $8M. I smell a bait and switch. We'll see something else enhanced with money that has been freed up that has nothing to do with MBB.
Re: Practice Facility
Posted: Mon Dec 06, 2021 9:19 pm
by ramster
Rhody72 wrote: ↑2 years ago
I can't imagine a remodeled Tootell West costing $8M. I smell a bait and switch. We'll see something else enhanced with money that has been freed up that has nothing to do with MBB.
Absolutely not. You are completely wrong.
And where have you been? The $8 million price tag has been announced out there for over a year. You seem very disconnected from what’s going on. Get with the program.
Rhody72 wrote: ↑2 years ago
I can't imagine a remodeled Tootell West costing $8M. I smell a bait and switch. We'll see something else enhanced with money that has been freed up that has nothing to do with MBB.
Absolutely not. You are completely wrong.
And where have you been? The $8 million price tag has been announced out there for over a year. You seem very disconnected from what’s going on. Get with the program.
$8 million is a very reasonable amount for all that this will entail. HVAC, Mechanical/Electrical, Plumbing, Building Management, Labor, building material costs, the design/build process itself. Skilled labor isn't cheap. Ten years ago (when I think his should have happened) it would probably have been 3/4 the price, maybe even 1/2...
Rhody72 wrote: ↑2 years ago
I can't imagine a remodeled Tootell West costing $8M. I smell a bait and switch. We'll see something else enhanced with money that has been freed up that has nothing to do with MBB.
Absolutely not. You are completely wrong.
And where have you been? The $8 million price tag has been announced out there for over a year. You seem very disconnected from what’s going on. Get with the program.
$8 million is a very reasonable amount for all that this will entail. HVAC, Mechanical/Electrical, Plumbing, Building Management, Labor, building material costs, the design/build process itself. Skilled labor isn't cheap. Ten years ago (when I think his should have happened) it would probably have been 3/4 the price, maybe even 1/2...
He hasn’t even seen the plans. Doesn’t even know included. This is the poster who said the board was too negative. He makes Debbie Downer look like a supreme optimist. Why we can’t have nice things.
I thought he wanted David Cox to be successful, the URi sports program to be successful. Doesn’t even trust the long term, well respected in many circles, Athletic Director. Sad.
Re: Practice Facility
Posted: Mon Dec 06, 2021 9:50 pm
by ramster
PeteRI wrote: ↑2 years ago
Now we need a fund to hire our next coach.
Does every thread need to be filled with anti David Cox stuff?
I went to the PC game, tried to read the game thread the next day and it was 20% about the game and 80% or more slamming the coach with the same comments that seem to be seeping into most all threads. And there is already a FIRE COX thread and a David Cox thread.
Next David Cox will be causing Global Warming, Inflation and he brought Omicron to RI.
Re: Practice Facility
Posted: Mon Dec 06, 2021 9:51 pm
by McRam
When was the $8M projection made?
Re: Practice Facility
Posted: Mon Dec 06, 2021 9:54 pm
by ramster
McRam wrote: ↑2 years ago
When was the $8M projection made?
I’d heard it over a year ago. The money has been raised. People don’t donate for things that they don’t believe in
Re: Practice Facility
Posted: Mon Dec 06, 2021 10:36 pm
by Rhodymob05
Construction costs are very high right now but will hopefully level out. 8 mill does seem high for renovations on a gym, even with HVAC, design, structural components ect. Think about how much you get for an 8 million dollar mansion?? Good news overall though.
Re: Practice Facility
Posted: Tue Dec 07, 2021 7:24 am
by section(105)
…….gotta make sure the all the bells and whistles are included to be able attract top level recruits for the coach to able to show recruits…….ya know things like tattoo parlor, hair and nail studio, nutrition counseling, academic tutorial center, video game room, individual work out rooms, team film studio, office space for agent meetings, career counseling……and other necessary items for today’s student athlete…..
And where have you been? The $8 million price tag has been announced out there for over a year. You seem very disconnected from what’s going on. Get with the program.
$8 million is a very reasonable amount for all that this will entail. HVAC, Mechanical/Electrical, Plumbing, Building Management, Labor, building material costs, the design/build process itself. Skilled labor isn't cheap. Ten years ago (when I think his should have happened) it would probably have been 3/4 the price, maybe even 1/2...
He hasn’t even seen the plans. Doesn’t even know included. This is the poster who said the board was too negative. He makes Debbie Downer look like a supreme optimist. Why we can’t have nice things.
I thought he wanted David Cox to be successful, the URi sports program to be successful. Doesn’t even trust the long term, well respected in many circles, Athletic Director. Sad.
I don't think 72 is negative, he's just an idiot in general with little knowledge on the game of basketball.
Re: Practice Facility
Posted: Tue Dec 07, 2021 8:08 am
by ramster
The cost of the facility was announced way back in March 9th which was 9 months ago…… so I’m surprised so many comments now surprised by and questioning the cost. Article to click on below from 3/9/2021.
The info I’m providing is about the update given at FGSU pregame event that included the design company being selected, project moving forward, bids to be going out in May and the excitement of the project for both MBB and WBB teams.
So, in other words, not much has changed in the past 4 years.
Re: Practice Facility
Posted: Tue Dec 07, 2021 10:11 am
by KeaneyBluBallz
I don't think 8mil is outrageous at all for what this space should be, for this campus and its programs.
build away. and then do something. new coach, new prakie place, no more excuses.
Re: Practice Facility
Posted: Tue Dec 07, 2021 10:19 am
by SGreenwell
Rhodymob05 wrote: ↑2 years ago
Construction costs are very high right now but will hopefully level out. 8 mill does seem high for renovations on a gym, even with HVAC, design, structural components ect. Think about how much you get for an 8 million dollar mansion?? Good news overall though.
Well, in a lot of ways though, it's "simpler" to build an $8M mansion on some vacant piece of land. You don't have to worry about the structural integrity of the rest of the site, you just build whatever you want. I have no clue when Tootell was originally built, but at least when I was a student from around 2002 to 2007, all of those side gyms were humid and stuffy. No clue if they've done any renovations between 2007ish and 2021, but depending on when they went in and how extensive the new structures are, the price tag quickly escalates in my mind.
Re: Practice Facility
Posted: Tue Dec 07, 2021 10:25 am
by section(105)
……during my later years, class’72, Tootell was under construction……do not recall when finished…..
Re: Practice Facility
Posted: Tue Dec 07, 2021 10:40 am
by Billyboy78
section(105) wrote: ↑2 years ago
……during my later years, class’72, Tootell was under construction……do not recall when finished…..
I started in '74. It was done then.
Re: Practice Facility
Posted: Tue Dec 07, 2021 10:50 am
by ramster
Billyboy78 wrote: ↑2 years ago
So, in other words, not much has changed in the past 4 years.
Covid for two of those 4 years and counting. Kind of changed a few things.
Re: Practice Facility
Posted: Tue Dec 07, 2021 10:53 am
by ramster
section(105) wrote: ↑2 years ago
……during my later years, class’72, Tootell was under construction……do not recall when finished…..
Had Tootell East which was 1 basketball court and Tootell West which was larger. Tootel East was converted to Team Weight Room which is very nice. The Swimming pools are also included in Tootell along with some separate exercise, cycling and dance rooms.
Billyboy78 wrote: ↑2 years ago
So, in other words, not much has changed in the past 4 years.
Covid for two of those 4 years and counting. Kind of changed a few things.
Things changed as soon as Dan left. Things were moving along nicely, then came to a screeching halt.
Re: Practice Facility
Posted: Tue Dec 07, 2021 11:47 am
by ramster
Some of the recent projects current and last few years - and approximate costs in Millions:
$150 Engineering
$94 Brookside Apartments
$69 Chemical and Forensic Science
$12 Fine Arts Phase I
$9 Welcome Center $8 Practice Facility for MBB and WBB
$5 Road improvements Fraternity Circle
$4 Repave, Sidewalks, Bike Lanes, Lights Upper College Road
$4 Lights and Turf Meade Field
$2.4 Bike Path connection to URI
Past Athletic Department Projects:
$54 Ryan Center - 2000
$12 Boss Arena - 2002
$8 Mackal Track & Field - 1991
GO RHODY! THINK BIG!
Re: Practice Facility
Posted: Tue Dec 07, 2021 12:34 pm
by Billyboy78
ramster wrote: ↑2 years agoSome of the recent projects current and last few years - and approximate costs in Millions:
$150 Engineering
$94 Brookside Apartments
$69 Chemical and Forensic Science
$12 Fine Arts Phase I
$9 Welcome Center $8 Practice Facility for MBB and WBB
$5 Road improvements Fraternity Circle
$4 Repave, Sidewalks, Bike Lanes, Lights Upper College Road
$4 Lights and Turf Meade Field
$2.4 Bike Path connection to URI
Past Athletic Department Projects:
$54 Ryan Center - 2000
$12 Boss Arena - 2002
$8 Mackal Track & Field - 1991
GO RHODY! THINK BIG!
What about the women's locker room? That just got a major upgrade.
PeteRI wrote: ↑2 years ago
Now we need a fund to hire our next coach.
Does every thread need to be filled with anti David Cox stuff?
I went to the PC game, tried to read the game thread the next day and it was 20% about the game and 80% or more slamming the coach with the same comments that seem to be seeping into most all threads. And there is already a FIRE COX thread and a David Cox thread.
Next David Cox will be causing Global Warming, Inflation and he brought Omicron to RI.
Deep down I knew all three of these were all his fault, glad to get confirmation
Re: Practice Facility
Posted: Tue Dec 07, 2021 2:37 pm
by RIFan
Saw the Boss ice rink on the list, UConn just broke ground on their new rink. Only seats 2,600
Rhodymob05 wrote: ↑2 years ago
Construction costs are very high right now but will hopefully level out. 8 mill does seem high for renovations on a gym, even with HVAC, design, structural components ect. Think about how much you get for an 8 million dollar mansion?? Good news overall though.
I'm only saying this, not as comparison, but semi-comparison... the alleged new Narragansett library going into the old Pier Market is going to cost around $10 million, and that's an empty space with Danielle Steele novels.
Re: Practice Facility
Posted: Tue Dec 07, 2021 3:48 pm
by RF1
ramster wrote: ↑2 years ago
Some info on the Practice Facility
Estimated by May of next year the project will be ready to put out for bid
March 2018 - Promised to Hurley as enticement to stay
May 2022 - Going out to bid
Sometime in either 2023 or 2024? - Opens for use
Five to six years for an $8M conversion of existing space. Things certainly do not move fast in Kingston.
ramster wrote: ↑2 years ago
Some info on the Practice Facility
Estimated by May of next year the project will be ready to put out for bid
April 2017 - Promised to Hurley as enticement to stay
May 2022 - Going out to bid
Sometime in either 2023 or 2024? - Opens for use
Six to seven years for an $8M conversion of existing space. Things certainly do not move fast in Kingston.
No, and if you left it up to many posters on KB based on this thread they don’t even like the $8 million cost. Sounds like they want to stop the project and bring in 70 minutes for an investigation. Maybe KB posters behind the scenes were the cause of the delay?
Thorr, our new President and the MBB, WBB coaches are all excited about this and have approved but KB says it’s too much money.
Most schools are doing $20 to $60 million practice facilities. We are stopping the presses because $8 is too high.
Rhody72 wrote: ↑2 years ago
I can't imagine a remodeled Tootell West costing $8M. I smell a bait and switch. We'll see something else enhanced with money that has been freed up that has nothing to do with MBB.
Absolutely not. You are completely wrong.
And where have you been? The $8 million price tag has been announced out there for over a year. You seem very disconnected from what’s going on. Get with the program.
Ramster, a year ago on this board, when I saw a rendition of what the practice facility would look like, I wrote on this Board the sane thing and others agreed. That is where I have been!
ramster wrote: ↑2 years agoSome of the recent projects current and last few years - and approximate costs in Millions:
$150 Engineering
$94 Brookside Apartments
$69 Chemical and Forensic Science
$12 Fine Arts Phase I
$9 Welcome Center $8 Practice Facility for MBB and WBB
$5 Road improvements Fraternity Circle
$4 Repave, Sidewalks, Bike Lanes, Lights Upper College Road
$4 Lights and Turf Meade Field
$2.4 Bike Path connection to URI
Past Athletic Department Projects:
$54 Ryan Center - 2000
$12 Boss Arena - 2002
$8 Mackal Track & Field - 1991
GO RHODY! THINK BIG!
What about the women's locker room? That just got a major upgrade.
There were many items I left off but only included projects over $2 million
The point of my list is to give an idea about the amount of money spent on many projects recently at URI that gave all turned out to be very nice and well managed. I have no doubt and trust completely that the Practice Facility will follow the same successful pattern as all these other recent endeavors.
Re: Practice Facility
Posted: Thu Dec 09, 2021 7:48 am
by Rhody72
This is a gym in an existing building being renovated. The space is the size of two practice basketball courts, very little demolition required. My guess is that it represents less about 10% the space in this building (Tootell). This project must include infrastructure that supports the entire building that has nothing to do with MBB.
Re: Practice Facility
Posted: Thu Dec 09, 2021 8:00 am
by ramster
And if so, that could be good for MBB and WBB
Trust and positivity. Why not sit back and wait to see the design and final plans before judging it or being suspicious?
GO RHODY!
Re: Practice Facility
Posted: Thu Dec 09, 2021 8:09 am
by NYGFan_Section208
ramster wrote: ↑2 years ago
And if so, that could be good for MBB and WBB
Trust and positivity. Why not sit back and wait to see the design and final plans before judging it or being suspicious?
GO RHODY!
Message boards are for being susp and jumping to non-informed conclusions....not for "waiting and seeing"?
ramster wrote: ↑2 years ago
And if so, that could be good for MBB and WBB
Trust and positivity. Why not sit back and wait to see the design and final plans before judging it or being suspicious?
GO RHODY!
Message boards are for being susp and jumping to non-informed conclusions....not for "waiting and seeing"?
…….exactly, otherwise what fun on here would there be with waiting and seeing…….?
Yep, just be negative and criticize what you don’t know. And on top of that say you criticized and questioned it a year ago too! Great.
Re: Practice Facility
Posted: Thu Dec 09, 2021 8:54 am
by section(105)
……..being consistent……..thanks
Re: Practice Facility
Posted: Thu Dec 09, 2021 8:56 am
by RhowdyRam02
Rhody72 wrote: ↑2 years ago
This is a gym in an existing building being renovated. The space is the size of two practice basketball courts, very little demolition required. My guess is that it represents less about 10% the space in this building (Tootell). This project must include infrastructure that supports the entire building that has nothing to do with MBB.
and/or it includes a tremendous amount of bells and whistles to make an existing space look as good as practice facilities built recently for other programs that cost tens of millions of dollars
…….exactly, otherwise what fun on here would there be with waiting and seeing…….?
Yep, just be negative and criticize what you don’t know. And on top of that say you criticized and questioned it a year ago too! Great.
you must be a lot of fun at parties.
Troll on
Re: Practice Facility
Posted: Thu Dec 09, 2021 9:48 am
by KeaneyBluBallz
definitely not a troll, home boy.
paying customer and fan with a long line of Rhody ties, just like the rest of you.
why is it whenever someone says something online and someone else doesn't like, it makes one a troll?? oh I know, just because I decide to join a month ago after lurker for a while?? grow a set, guy.
Re: Practice Facility
Posted: Thu Dec 09, 2021 9:51 am
by ramster
KeaneyBluBallz wrote: ↑2 years ago
definitely not a troll, home boy.
paying customer and fan with a long line of Rhody ties, just like the rest of you.
why is it whenever someone says something online and someone else doesn't like, it makes one a troll?? oh I know, just because I decide to join a month ago after lurker for a while?? grow a set, guy.
Since you came here 5 weeks ago you just seem to want to stir trouble.
How many times have you posted here under different names? Is this your first time ever?
Re: Practice Facility
Posted: Thu Dec 09, 2021 9:58 am
by KeaneyBluBallz
first time, long time bud. Thanks for taking my call. have your mods/admin look up my IP. I promise you I haven't been posting here before.
stir trouble? you just don't like what I have to say. tough shit, that's not causing trouble.
god forbid some new blood come on here and keep some of you guys honest.
Re: Practice Facility
Posted: Thu Dec 09, 2021 10:08 am
by ramster
You are right.
Re: Practice Facility
Posted: Tue Feb 01, 2022 9:53 am
by ramster
sbrand wrote: ↑2 years ago
Well here is the Thorr Bjorn Podcast
Topics Covered
How asst. AD initiated the hiring of Tammy Reiss
Worked in ticket department of UMass during Calipari era including a number one ranking and final four appearance
Trying to contain the crowd of 400k fans who couldn’t get tickets to the Temple game.
Returning to Umass after taking a corporate job after nine years
Non glamorous side of starting out in the Umass athletic department
How he became the interim AD at Umass
Great time to be an AD
The back story how URI got the New England Patriots plane to fly to Towson game
What we should expect from new president Marc Palange
Methodology and process for raising money What is the status of the practice facility
and charter flight. When construction starts and projected opening
Impact of 125k for WBB
Cost of chartering 42k
How he turned around the football program
Thoughts on retiring #s with Kenny Green video on his take on the matter
Talks about relationship with coach Hurley
Whose responsible when Coach is fired
How close URI football was to switching conferences
Asked him about PC cancelling in state game last season
Thanks to Scott Brand for this Interview with Thorr. Thorr provides an update to the Practice Facility from minute 27:30 to 30:00. I'd encourage watching the entire 60 minutes but specifically the Practice Facility.
Populous design group hired. Same group that did the Ryan Center
Bid in 2 months (from when this interview took place)
