NSU to build storm water detention area

(Tahlequah, Okla.)--In preparation for construction of its new $14.4 million multipurpose event center, Northeastern State University has begun site work and excavation, and those passing through the northern part of campus may notice changes.

The still-unnamed facility will stand on the northwest corner of North Street and North Grand Avenue between the NSU Oklahoma College of Optometry and Doc Wadley Stadium.

NSU will construct a storm water detention facility south of North Street to address a flood-prone area of campus and the Tahlequah community.

"The detention facility is a requirement of the State of Oklahoma," said Jon Asbill, interim director of capital projects and planning. "It is our goal to design and construct this structure to blend in to the natural surroundings seamlessly. The rock-lined ditch on the easternmost boundary of the property will be incorporated into the structure."

The capacity of the storm water detention facility will be approximately 1.7 million gallons and will mitigate flooding issues on campus and downstream in the city. The removal of 27 trees will be necessary for construction. Up to nine more trees may be removed if construction requires. The tree removal is expected to begin by the end of May.

"The view of this area from Seminary Avenue and North Street will remain largely unchanged as we will make every effort to leave as many trees untouched as possible," Asbill said. "Materials removed from the detention structure will be used to create the building pad and parking areas of the event center. This creates an economic and efficient construction process."

Asbill also noted that utility relocations are under way.

"There will be a minimal electrical service interruption to neighboring properties not exceeding two hours," he said. "This will occur only when power is rerouted. The old lines will not be turned off until the new lines are connected."

Anticipated opening date of the multipurpose event center is Aug. 1, 2013. Architect of record is Crafton Tull. Contractor is Nabholz Construction Inc. Building expenses will be paid through previously approved bond funds, dedicated university capital funds, fee revenue above debt service and interest earnings.

The building will house more than 78,000 square feet. The floor plan calls for 69 rooms including six locker rooms. Amenities will also include a video screening room, an athletics shop, a suite of offices for coaches and staff, concession areas, laundry facilities, a ticket office and a room for the athletic and alumni associations.

Permanent seating capacity will be about 3,000. However, configurations using floor and mezzanine space will permit the seating of additional people.

Nabholz Construction has offered estimates of what materials will be incorporated in the building of the multipurpose event center. They include:

• Cubic yards of concrete 4,600
• Cubic yards of earth moved 50,000
• Tons of steel erected 650
• Cubic tons of HVAC 252
• Square feet of glazing 5,000
• Gallons of paint 1,000
• Number of toilets 74
• Number of lighting fixtures 900
• Square feet of sheetrock 200,000
• Number of doors 172
• Miles of communication cable 4
• Miles of electrical cable 8

More information will follow as the project progresses.