FEASIBILITY STUDY

Providing English Institute at Texas Southern University

Providing English Institute at Texas Southern University

Focus of Study

The study is to provide a comprehensive analysis of the English Institute at Texas Southern University and to develop options and costs for future facilities needs to serve students.

Background

English Institute at Texas Southern University Facilities and Maintenance staff reported to EITSU past and present issues affecting the building systems and components. Issues include:

Cracks in exterior walls;

Significant water infiltration through exterior walls;

Building flooding at wings lowest on the site during extreme storms;

Electrical system failures in underground conduit;

Frequent failures in heating system piping;

Considerable maintenance required for most engineering building systems.

The "Institute Needs Study" conducted by Strekalovsky and Hoit in 1998 was reviewed as part of this study (Kever, 2009).

Process

Numerous activities were conducted within this Study, including a Physical Evaluation, Educational Evaluation, Sub-Soils Investigation, Development of Options and Recommendations (Gwen, 2000).

The Physical Evaluation was summarized in an Interim Report titled "The Existing Conditions Report" October. The report is included within this report.

The Educational Evaluation was summarized in an Interim Report titled "Educational Specifications" November. The report is included within this report.

Findings

The Sub-soils investigation revealed that the building flooding and below slab electrical shorting is likely due to a result of a build-up of surface water which saturates the soil and has no place to go because of the clay sub-soils. This condition is referred to as a "perched water table". This perched water table, at its extreme, fined its easiest outlet, which typically has been into the building. Regrading around the building and installation of a system of perimeter and area drains could mitigate the ground water problems. A drain system of this type would require a separate "outlet" as the existing outlet pipe is overtaxed from offsite water (Gwen, 2000).

The uninsulated exterior walls are in poor condition with water infiltration at windows and precast panels. If renovation were to be undertaken, the addition of a new exterior wall system would be recommended.

Mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems are beyond their useful life and require full replacement.

The English Institute at Texas Southern University building, including the Patten Wing, is larger in size than is necessary to fulfill the educational program requirements.

Multiple floor levels (10) and significant other obstacles to handicapped accessibility make providing accessibility difficult and expensive.

Options

Four options were presented and discussed with the Texas Southern University. Option One - Full building renovation with minor additions. The renovations would be undertaken one wing at a time and would require approximately twenty portable classrooms. This option would take approximately six years to complete.

Option Two - Full building renovation with minor additions. The renovations would be undertaken two wings at a time and would require approximately forty portable classrooms. This option would take approximately four years to complete.

Option Three - New construction. This would replace the existing 274,295 SF facility with a smaller 247,000 SF building. This option would take approximately two years to complete (Gwen, ...