Say, it’s still not too late to enter the Pray-Harrold renovation finally begins pool here at EMUTalk.org– there’s lot of open dates, lots of fabulous prizes, etc. Why not sign up today?
I was reminded of the contest again yesterday because I attended (in my alternate capacity) a couple of the sessions where contractors talked about their plans/processes for the project. Essentially, this was what in academia we would refer to as “the job talk.” To be honest, the presentations were more interesting than I had anticipated they would be.
I can’t tell you which firm would do the “best” work, though I can tell you that one firm had a better PowerPoint presentation. But what was interesting for me was that both contractors said that it seemed within the budget for the project that at least some modest renovations would happen on floors 5 through 7. That seems like pretty good news to me.
Of course, we still have a long ways to go, both contractors I saw spoke about doing construction with the building completely open (which is gonna be just freakin’ great!), the financial crisis could still cause the whole thing to collapse and/or be delayed again, etc., etc. But on the whole, I have to say I’m actually verging on being optimistic about all this.
Perhaps the holiday spirit and/or the end of the term is getting to me.
Money is definitely in doubt due to economic problems. Granholm likely to cancel all capital outlay projects. All the universities and colleges have been notified. if it happens its likely that building will be renovated in stages while still remaining open. Only $5-$6 million has been set aside for architectural enhancements. In addition, the whole project must go through the Joint Subcommittee again in March for the plans to be reviewed and approved. The State Building Authority takes over the building once the construction starts.
Financial Crisis is over for your sakes… Michigan housing for example has already bottomed and tons of people (myself included) are out there house shopping like crazy. So, Pray Harrold will get funding soon. Enjoy the Popcorn and Powerpoint presentations until the Red Ribbon is cut.
I think 2008 was a bottom for Michigan and 2009 will be a bottom for the Nation as a whole…2010 should be a bull market year then for everyone.
Only if the price of oil remains low. If we have a false economic recovery because of all the pixelated money floating around Hedge Fund Island there may be another economic calamity at the end of 2009 if growth picks up. Look for oil to spike “up” again after growth picks up.