Frequently Asked Questions
How would the new building be funded? Current and future students of the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse would pay for the student center project through segregated fees. The fees would be implemented gradually over the course of the next 3-4 years, until Fall 2016, when the project would be completed. The full amount would be assessed at that time. No tax dollars would be involved in the project.
What
is the construction timeline for both projects? Construction
of a new student center would occur during 2014-15 with an
opening date in fall 2016. Cartwright Center would stay open
until the project is finished. A repair to Cartwright Center
would follow the same timeline; but the entire building would be
closed for 18-24 months during the construction process, and
re-opened in fall 2016. These dates are dependent on project
approval.
When was Cartwright Center built? Cartwright
Center opened in 1958; UW-La Crosse had 1,772 students at that
time. In 1964, enrollment increased to 2,987 and an addition to
Cartwright Center occurred. In 1984, the “Gunning Addition” was
added to Cartwright. The building is currently named for
long-time Dean of Women, Edith Cartwright, and long-time Dean of
Men, Richard Gunning.
Cartwright Center looks fine. Why are we looking to
replace the building? Parts
of Cartwright Center are more than 50 years old. Despite
cosmetic changes, the infrastructure of the building has become
challenging. There are concerns regarding plumbing, heating, air
conditioning, accessibility, safety codes, roofs, flooding when
there is a heavy rainfall, and sustainability of the facility.
Additionally, the age of the facility poses a difficult problem
when systems break down and a replacement part is no longer
being manufactured. The facility needs major maintenance and
upgrades to remain functional. Lastly, the three additions have
left a facility that is fragmented, lacking student comfort and
accessibility.
What would happen to Cartwright Center? If
a new student center is built, Cartwright could be used as
temporary space for other construction projects on campus. In
the end, it would eventually be torn down. East Avenue would be
extended to State Street, and green space would be added to the
campus.
How long would the repair last? If
Cartwright Center were repaired, additional maintenance and
repairs would be needed in approximately 15 years, whereas a new
facility would not require maintenance for approximately 25-30
years.
Where would the new student center be located? The
proposed student center would sit in the space that is currently
occupied by the Wimberly parking lot (Commuter Lot 6). The
Police and Parking Services Building, as well as the parking
spaces, would be reconstructed in a Parking Ramp that will be
open Spring/Summer 2013 in the parking lot across the street
from the Cleary Center (Commuter Lot 11).
What would be in the new student center?The
proposed student center would function as the ‘living room’ of
the campus, including lounge space with gas fireplaces and
‘hangout’ space for students to study and relax. Meeting rooms
for student organizations are being designed to better fit the
size of student organization programming. Two major program
spaces would exist, a larger multipurpose room than Valhalla,
and an entertainment café. Dining concepts will expand and an
outdoor programming space would be developed. Recreation spaces
would also be available, but are undefined at this time.
What would the new Student Center look like? The
preliminary architectural drawings are impressive! The building
edifice was designed to emulate Grandad Bluff, a defining
feature of La Crosse. Check out some of the pre-design
renderings at: http://www.uwlax.edu/studentcenter/
Would the new student center be open 24/7? The
current hours of Cartwright Center would expand to accommodate
late night use of the entertainment café, but the entire
facility will close at 1 or 2 a.m.
Is it true that if Cartwright is repaired, it would be
closed for up to two years? Yes. To complete the
extensive repairs needed for the structure, the building would
be closed for up to two years. Relocation of offices,
Textbook Services, the University Bookstore, and limited kitchen
space would cost approximately $6 million alone and would not be
recouped. Food service and dining space would be considerably
restricted and meeting space would be limitedly absorbed
throughout campus. Organizations and student groups would need
to think creatively about hosting particular events throughout
the 18- 24 month closure period.
What would the new student center be called? This
has not been determined. Students will name the facility.
How will the new student center project decision be
made? Students
will make the decision by voting on a referendum.
Where and when can I vote? The referendum will
be included as part of the Student Senate election April 10,
2012. That morning each student will receive an email invitation
to participate in the election online.
Who is eligible to vote? All
UW-La Crosse students are eligible to vote
Dollars and Cents
• Repair of Cartwright would be about $32 million. This would
mean an additional $125
semester fee for each student for 20 years.
• A new Student Center is projected to cost $55 million. This
would mean an additional $155 semester fee for each student for
30 years.
Fees for either project will begin to be charged for 2012-13
with a fee increase of $10 per semester. This fee will increase
to $20 per semester in 2013-2014. When the facility opens
in 2016 the new full fee will be charged.
*FY=
Fiscal Year
Option 1: Cartwright Repair & Maintenance Project
FY13: $20 per year or $10 per semester
FY14: $20 per year or $10 per semester
FY15: $20 per year or $10 per semester
FY16: $20 per year or $10 per semester
FY17: $170 per year or $85 per semester
Total Fee Increase: $250 per year or $125 per semester
Option 2: New Student Center Project
FY13: $20 per year or $10 per semester
FY14: $20 per year or $10 per semester
FY15: $20 per year or $10 per semester
FY16: $20 per year or $10 per semester
FY17: $230 per year or $115 per semester
Total Fee Increase: $310 per year or $155 per semester
*Note: The “step-up” or “ramp-up” of fees is because the
fee accumulates each year as we “grow” into the new overall
Segregated Fee rate for the University Center. The amount of the
fee will “step-up” as follows:
Annual Fee Increase Summary
Year 1: $20(FY13) = $20
Year 2: $20(FY13) + $20(FY14) = $40
Year 3: $20(FY13) + $20(FY14) + $20(FY15) = $60
Year 4: $20(FY13) + $20(FY14) + $20(FY15) + $20(FY16) = $80
Year 5: $20(FY13) + $20(FY14) + $20(FY15) + $20(FY16) + $230
(FY17) = $310