Parking structure, new fraternity house approved

The IU board of trustees unanimously approved all four building proposals for the Bloomington campus during its monthly business meeting Friday. The resolutions included endorsements for a new parking garage, fraternity house, Honors College and a Herman B Wells Library renovation. \nWith its undivided decision, the board gave final authorization to begin construction of the controversial five-and-a-half-level parking garage to be located on the corner of Fess and Atwater avenues. \nThe resolution for the structure, which will hold approximately 560 vehicles, comes after several months of debate and discussions with several local community members, who opposed the measure because they feared it would add more traffic and degrade the quality of the neighborhood. \nA previous, near identical site proposal plan was approved last November by the trustees to approve of the site of the structure after suggestions from the community were considered. Friday's vote was the final obstacle from the trustees before construction could commence. \nTrustee Cora Breckenridge said the project is estimated to cost $10,946,000 and will include, "limestone veneer with openings to blend with the campus collegiate gothic architectural character."\nWith another unanimous vote, the trustees approved of a design measure for a new chapter house for Beta Theta Pi. Breckenridge said the three-story fraternity house would reportedly provide living arrangements for 50 residents and 30 non-residents. \n"This is the location of where my old fraternity house was," said student trustee Casey Cox. "I'm really proud of the design and that the abandonment will be taken care of. I certainly look forward to returning to the frat to look at it."\nA 9-0 trustee vote also gave consent for the project and design for the construction of a new Hutton Honors College. Breckenridge said the building would be located at the northwest corner at the intersection of Woodlawn and Seventh streets.\nThe $3 million dollar plan would include a seminar classroom, library, student study lounges, event spaces and offices. A gift from Edward L. Hutton will fund the construction. \nThe board then gave unanimous approval, with trustee President Stephen Ferguson abstaining, of a design to restore the Herman B Wells Library Reference Reading Room. \nBreckenridge said the project would create a traditional library reading room with large reading tables and lounge seats. \n"(This is) one of many of renovations that will come to the main library," Breckenridge said.