Davies Center Redevelopment
Steering Committee Meeting Minutes
May 5, 2009
Council Fire Room, Davies Center 8:00 – Noon
Attendees: Beth Hellwig, Charles Farrell, Rick Gonzales, Tim Lauer, Susan Harrison, Terry Classen, Tim
Luttrell, Arthur SanFilippo, Ashraf Sadek, David Hatton, Kate Sullivan, Ray Maggi, Bob Stone
1. Bray/Burt Hill had two different building design options. One had more square footage than the
other. Arthur SanFilippo gave an overview of the differences in each option. One of the concerns
was the Alumni Room is considerably smaller. There were also issues on the height of the
ballrooms.
2. A question was raised about the elevator in relationship to the bookstore.
3. Introductions of the Steering Committee were made to the Executive Committee.
4. Bray/Burt Hill introduced the individuals from Bray/Burt Hill.
5. David Hatton opened with a background on what the Steering Committee has accomplished and the
progress of the design effort. The design is still a work in progress and the Committee is working on
the exterior of the building and materials to use in construction.
6. Ray Maggi presented the inspiration behind the current design. Items looked at included the river
and Little Niagara.
7. The final site plans were presented.
8. Bray/Burt Hill reviewed the floor plans for all levels. A side view of the Cabin and the Alumni Room
were shown. Examples of the exterior of the building were presented. The building’s exterior
included a metal roof, a stone fireplace, brick piers, curtain wall system, and an exposed steel
structure. The architects then showed various views from inside the building.
9. Exterior materials were discussed next. The architects looked at what is on campus now and what is
on adjacent buildings. The common factor appeared to be red brick. They then showed images of
what things could look like with the brick exterior, standing seam roof, metal panel siding, stone
fireplace, exterior wood cladding and the green roof.
10. The architect firm felt the building would qualify for a very solid silver LEED certification. They are
looking at a variety of sustainable systems.
11. The issue of the Nursing building and the loading dock was brought up. The architects are
attempting to hide the loading dock and make the transition from Nursing to the new building more
attractive.
12. The challenge for the external public to get upstairs to the third floor and to the conference areas
was brought forth as an issue. Also raised was a concern about the second floor lounges. Will all
groups, i.e. diversity, safety, and non-traditional students be satisfied? The height of the ballroom is
still a work in progress.
13. It was explained that the new building will not have the dining plan (all you can eat) in it.
14. A question was asked to whether the lodge reflects “white” not the diverse environment UW-Eau
Claire is trying to achieve. The architects thought the building reflected refined not rustic.
15. Tim Lauer reflected on what the student’s thoughts were on the design.
16. The committee made a commitment to meet with Nursing to discuss their thoughts on the new
building.
17. At 10:15 p.m., the Executive Committee left and the meeting reconvened.
18. The committee felt removing the gables changed the way the building looked. The consensus is to
have gables over the entrances to make the building homier and less institutional. There was also a
question of whether the state mandates the use of brick. Tim Luttrell stated they do not mandate
brick.
19. Bray/Burt Hill distributed a Project Schedule – Phasing. This was reviewed and dates that had
changed were brought to the Committee’s attention.
20. Tim Luttrell announced the Committee will need to work hard this summer to make decisions so the
building can start construction in May 2010.
21. The committee agreed to go through the building plans at the meeting scheduled for May 12.
22. The architect firm reiterated the layouts are not different floor plans, they are different sizes.
23. The Steering Committee agreed the architect firm is very close to being completed with the current
plans.
24. Certification to a LEED silver standard was discussed. The top ten sustainable issues were
presented. If the committee agreed to enhanced commissioning, an agent would have to be hired.
Enhanced Level I silver is built into the project. The total cost for commissioning is approximately
$700K. The committee feels it needs more information before a decision can be made.
25. Parking issues were brought up. The committee needs to meet with Kim O’Kelly and Mike Rindo.
26. The committee was reminded the project title is no longer Davies Center Redevelopment. The new
name is UW-Eau Claire University Center. All documentation should reflect that title. The new
building should not be referred to as “the new Davies Building”.
27. Discussion was held on where to put the dishwasher area. No consensus was reached.
28. The committee took a break for lunch.
29. The committee reconvened at 1:00 p.m.
30. Ashraf Sadek and Arthur SanFilippo will get estimates on what the cost of silver LEED certification
will be.
31. The Steering Committee will meet next Tuesday, May 12, and review the smaller square foot layout.
David Porter, the food service consultant, and Sodexho need meet to discuss the coffee shop and
moving the dishwasher.
32. Reducing the bank area was brought up along with putting slots in the ceiling of the first floor to
make the long hallway more airy. Everyone was happy with the location of the Dulany Room. A
major concern is not having an elevator directly in the bookstore. Bray/Burt Hill agreed to look at
the elevator situation.
33. The location of the Cabin was raised as another issue. It is felt the location of the stairway on the
northwest side of the Cabin would have a great view if the stairway wasn’t there.
34. The committee agreed the 2nd floor lounges needed to be more open and pocket lounges should be
added.
35. The committee was concerned about the separateness of the entrances to the theatre. It was
agreed to switch the wall between the entrances to 4’ high.
36. The meeting was adjourned.