Renovation of the Engineering Research Center, College of Engineering, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville

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Gattis The University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, College of Engineering, offers programs in seven engineering disciplines, the only institution in the State of Arkansas that offers a Ph.D. program in engineering. The College of Engineering occupies three buildings on the main campus and one research complex, the Engineering Research Center (ERC). All engineering research, in the areas of Biological and Agricultural, Chemical, Computer Systems, Civil, Electrical, Industrial, and Mechanical engineering, are housed and conducted in the ERC. Rapid growth of research programs, coupled with deteriorating conditions of the ERC building, have placed the College in dire need for modernized research space. Renovated space is needed immediately for new research programs and for several federally funded Centers, including the Material Handling Research Center. Presently, the ERC consists of three buildings that have adequate space, but lack the infrastructure to allow for the optimum use of the space. Required renovations will entail modernizing electrical and HVAC systems and roofing. The renovation of the electrical power distribution system will involve the complete replacement and conversion of the power feed. A new closed-loop water source heat-pump system will replace the inefficient HVAC units, boiler and chiller systems. The roof renovation will involve the removal of old roofing materials and replacing it with new insulating materials. This renovation project will facilitate faculty and student research to remain competitive by providing functional research space. Moreover, it will enhance the College's recruitment and retention of talented faculty and quality students, including women, persons with disabilities, and minorities from Arkansas and adjacent states.