The LSU Board of Supervisors on Friday unanimously approved the renovation of Kirby-Smith Hall.
 
The project will generate 360 beds for student housing by August 1, 2011.
The construction project will revamp the first through seventh floors of the residence hall. The hall was retired as a housing facility in 2006 and has since been used only for emergency housing by the University and by Gov. Bobby Jindal’s transition team.
 
According to Act 959 documentation, the project will improve unused student rooms, baths, lobbies, corridors, elevators and associated support spaces. The work will include new paint, carpet, ceiling tiles, furniture, security cameras and a card access system for about 83,270 square feet.
 
The renovation’s projected cost is $1.7 million, paid for by fees and “self-generated revenues.”
 
“The unanticipated demand for on-campus housing in the last two years has resulted in waiting lists of 500 and 1,000, respectively, for 2009 and 2010,” wrote Steve Waller, director of Residential Life, in the project proposal. “The   additional capacity from opening Kirby-Smith will help supplement our inventory.”
 
The Board also approved the LSU System’s $2.42 billion unrestricted operating budget for the 2010-11 fiscal year.
 
In his budget narrative, Chancellor Michael Martin asked the Board for “guidance, cooperation and support in addressing solutions to the fiscal crisis” as the University faces budget cuts and increases in tuition.
 
“The actions we take will chart the course for LSU for generations to come,” Martin wrote.
 
The Board formally inducted the 2010-11 Chairman James W. Moore Jr. and Chairman-Elect Ben Mount for 2011-12.
 
Moore praised the leadership of his predecessor, Blake Chatelain.
 
The Board also approved a project to replace and water-proof the aluminum seating in the south end zone of Tiger Stadium, and the renaming of the Music and Dramatic Arts Acting Studio to the “John Dennis Acting Studio.”
 
Minutes before adjournment, Lombardi addressed the crowd.
 
“This is going to be a challenging year for LSU and for higher education in general,” Lombardi said. “If we all work together, we will be successful.”
 
 
 
 
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Contact Sydni Dunn at [email protected]