Lack of space delay “Minidome” renovations

Renovations to the Felton G. Clark Activity Center known as the “Minidome” are in the making once again.
Larry McGhee, director of Facilities Planning for Southern University Systems stated that the objectives for the renovations to the F. G. Clark Activity Center are for general improvements. McGhee said, “the building has not been renovated since 1974. It also has to be in compliance with the American Disability Act.
According to McGhee, recent announcements of renovations to the Activity Center were postponed due to lack of space available to place the athletic department and staff.
“Other buildings are through with construction and are now available to relocate the staff and athletics,” said McGhee
Plans for renovations are scheduled for late October after homecoming events.
The weight room, equipment room and sports medicine will continue to operate during the repairs. The rooms will be isolated from the construction.
Floyd Kerr, Athletic Director said “it’s well over due for any upgrading and repairs.”
According to Kerr there is only one meeting room that holds twenty-five people and there are over 300 athletes meeting in that room.
Kerr stated that the new editions would include new doors, additional meeting rooms, female facilities, and a new pumping system to prevent flooding.
Kerr is anticipating for athletics to be the only functioning program in the Activity Center after the renovations. The timetable given for renovations to be completed is at least 18 months.
The financial aid office, ticketing operations, and the auxiliary departments are unsure as to where they will be relocating after renovations are complete.
According to Linda Carr, associate director of Financial Aid, the financial aid department is going to be placed in the Mechanical Engineering building during the renovations.
Tony Moudgill, associate Vice Chancellor for Facilities Planning said the auxiliary department will be placed in the Center Store building across from the extension Co-op building temporarily. The custodian workers will be placed with the regular custodian staff for the university.
Due to the renovations of the activity center the graduation ceremonies are being rescheduled from Friday, December 14 to Saturday, December 15 at the Riverside Centroplex in downtown Baton Rouge.