The Board of Regents last month approved a major renovation of the arts wing within the Fine Arts Complex, which is projected to start construction in January 2008.

The board approved spending $8.25 million on the building earlier this month. The renovation is planned to be completed August 2008 and will include a wide range of improvements.

Some things still need to be worked out, such as where the art classes will be held during renovation, said Todd Sherman, head of the Art Department. The department was examining its options, he said.

"One of our priorities is to obtain quality gallery space for graduating BFA and MFA students," Sherman said. "We're looking at possible spaces where we can work temporarily. The best case scenario [for temporary classrooms] would be a place on campus that can accommodate us."

The Fine Arts Complex includes the art, music and theater departments. It also houses the Davis Concert Hall, Salisbury Theatre, the Great Hall and KUAC.

The building was first completed in 1970 and since then had only received minor upgrades. Before 1970 the art department could be found in the Eielson Memorial Building.

The plans for renovation started in 1998 when approval was given to investigate all needed changes to the complex. Because of the scope and size of the project, the design team decided to divide the renovation into three phases. The phases would be completed one at a time with the following phases postponed until sufficient funds were collected.

In 2003 the first phase of renovation was completed, which included the music wing and Davis Concert Hall. Until recently, the other phases of the renovation were temporarily paused, and are now continuing as scheduled because of the newly available money.

The second phase will target the arts wing and high priority changes to the theater wing. The changes made to the Arts Wing will include major improvements to the heating, ventilation and electrical systems.

One high priority is fixing the buildings code violations, some of which include the standards set up by the Americans with Disabilities Act and various health and safety standards.

The ventilation system is to be completely removed and replaced by a unit that will both provide temperature control and an up to code exhaust system for various art processes.

The heating system will also be replaced entirely, while the plumbing system will be replaced in the studios to provide for the current

distribution system is to be replaced and will be designed to allow for future expansion. More electrical outlets will be added and a new computer data and voice system will be extended

from the newly renovated music wing.

To accommodate all these replacements, a section of the roof will be built out, similar to the "penthouses" found on top of the residence

halls. Once the penthouse

is finished, it will be used as a new computer art and drawing studio.

Also targeted are the buildings finishes, both inside

and outside. The walls will be repainted, the floor and ceiling finishes are to be replaced, new chemical resistant countertops, and stainless steel cabinets will replace the current dilapidated

cabinetwork, and the gallery will be fitted with a plywood substrate to hang artwork.

For the theater wing, construction

may begin earlier than 2008. The items that may be dealt with include the seating area and set construction.

The air handling system is to be replaced and a new level is to be built to allow for its maintenance. Those who have classes in the art building will particularly look forward to the work on the ventilation system. Almost

every medium of art offered at the building includes

some material that is hazardous to breath.

Sherman said he wanted to settle art students' potential

fears, saying that although there might be a possibility of less times being

available, the variety of art classes offered would not be reduced during the span of the renovation.

Decisions still haven't been made as to where to move all the art equipment and where the staff offices will be moved.