Facility confusion

[gostangs]

uh, tennis was redone due to it sitting where we needed the for the soph housing complex - had nothing to do with needed to re-do the facility. Is the new one better? yes. It is also almost entirely paid for by tennis alumni.

if Swimming wants a new building they need to pony up and quit whining.

[b_caesar]

The new halls being built aren't going to be just for sophomores. They are part of the new requirement that students live on campus housing for the first two years. All of the dorms will eventually become 4-yr halls - no more "first-yr only" buildings like you see in Boaz or McElvaney currently - and they say spaces for upper class students may be pretty limited...

http://www.smu.edu/ResidentialCommons/FAQ

[giacfsp]

The new residence halls also aren't on the space where the old tennis facility. They're building a new parking garage for the Dubbya Bookmobile there.

[Grant Carter]

The new residence halls also aren't on the space where the old tennis facility. They're building a new parking garage for the Dubbya Bookmobile there.

I believe that is a parking garage for the residence halls.

[gostangs]

correct - that garage is for the residence halls

[CalallenStang]

I'm just not understanding why the band hall will cost so much money. I've been inside the space under the basketball courts where the band hall will go. It's already there. All they'll have to do is knock a hole in the outside wall for the entrance.

The space is already lit and easily accessible. There's really no reason why the band can't practice there as it is.

Soundproofing - without it, no one will want to be in Dedman during band practice

[b_caesar]

I'm just not understanding why the band hall will cost so much money. I've been inside the space under the basketball courts where the band hall will go. It's already there. All they'll have to do is knock a hole in the outside wall for the entrance.

The space is already lit and easily accessible. There's really no reason why the band can't practice there as it is.

Soundproofing - without it, no one will want to be in Dedman during band practice

Indeed. And it's more than just rehearsal space. Offices, instrument storage, music library, etc.

[Water Pony]

uh, tennis was redone due to it sitting where we needed the for the soph housing complex - had nothing to do with needed to re-do the facility. Is the new one better? yes. It is also almost entirely paid for by tennis alumni.

if Swimming wants a new building they need to pony up and quit whining.

Gostangs, why the hostility toward Swimming? And, by the way, your comment that we need to raise $7.5m and a new Natatorium will get built is simply wrong. Five years ago that amount was
committed but Adminstration said they needed 90% commitment of the actual costs, which will exceed $16-20m.

As for whinning comment, other than by me and a few others encouraging and pledging to support to such a development, Swimmers & Divers have been the most patient athletic supporters at SMU. Perkins Gym was repurposed into a Natatorium in the 1950's and today that program is slowly losing its competitive edge, due to facilities and limited resources.

I suggest your post is misplaced, if not insulting.

[gostangs]

the rule has always been 75% - not sure what the total budget it.

Its not hostility - my point is we are always hearing about the Natitorium, but the fact is that in each of these building the advocate group (in this case swimmers and divers) have to lead the effort and get it done. The university has capital needs in about 10 different directions. I don't blame them for prioritizing the projects by who has enough interest in their own building to get the money raised. There is no sense talking about it until the swimmers and divers get a bunch of money raised. Until then other projects will continue to pass them (IPF for example).

They need a new building and I hope they get it done, but its up to the swimmers to organize a successful drive.

[malonish]

I'd donate money to the natatorium if some swimmers didn't try to steal some of my stuff once.

[Water Pony]

the rule has always been 75% - not sure what the total budget it.

Its not hostility - my point is we are always hearing about the Natitorium, but the fact is that in each of these building the advocate group (in this case swimmers and divers) have to lead the effort and get it done. The university has capital needs in about 10 different directions. I don't blame them for prioritizing the projects by who has enough interest in their own building to get the money raised. There is no sense talking about it until the swimmers and divers get a bunch of money raised. Until then other projects will continue to pass them (IPF for example).

They need a new building and I hope they get it done, but its up to the swimmers to organize a successful drive.

Where do you think the $7.5m came from several years ago: The Friends of Swimming, a support group, swimmers, divers, etc. And, yes, we were told to raise 90%. Our apologies that an aquatic center is expensive. Regrettably, your lecture sounds self-righteous.

[smustatesman]

Fun fact for Water Pony: The Coliseum (later named Moody Coliseum) was originally designed to also house a natatorium. But, before plans progressed further, it became cost prohibitive. I guess $2.5 Million only bought so much back in the mid 50's, or a young "Red" didn't have enough "friends" to add to the mix.

[Digetydog]

Question for the swimmers? Does the Natatorium have be built on campus? If not, could the cost of building it be reduced by moving it outside SMU's current footprint and/or using it for other purposes?

Example:
1) Repurpose/Demolish Perkins;
2) Use the current outdoor pool for students;
3) Find another location (probably in the suburbs) and build a facility for the SMU Swim Team, but also use it for other local swim teams/meets. In terms of usage, SMU swimmers could use it during whatever time SMU coaches feel is ideal (why is it always sp early in the morning) and other local swim teams could use it for training at other times?
4) Question: Does the diving team need to be indoors? If not, eliminating the need to cover the high platform could save a lot of cash?

[RGV Pony]

I like this idea. Put it at smu in Plano.

[malonish]

I like this idea. Put it at smu in Plano.

Taos.