A meeting of the Physical Facilities Committee of the Board of Trustees convened at 10:50 a.m. on Friday, April 14, 2023, in Room 326 of Stewart Center on the campus of Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana.  

Committee members present: Mike Klipsch, acting chair in Gary Lehman’s absence; Sonny Beck; Theresa Carter; and Mark Gee. Trustees present were: Michael Berghoff; JoAnn Brouillette; Vanessa Castagna; and Malcolm DeKryger. Shawn Taylor participated via conference call. Gary Lehman was absent with approval in advance.

Officers and administrators in attendance were: Mung Chiang, president; Patrick Wolfe, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs and diversity; Chris Ruhl, chief financial officer and treasurer; Eva Nodine, senior vice president, assistant treasurer, and assistant secretary; Steve Schultz, general counsel; Cindy Ream, corporate secretary and senior executive assistant to the Board; and Thomas Keon, chancellor, Purdue University Northwest.

I. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Upon proper motion duly made and seconded, the Physical Facilities Committee voted unanimously to approve the minutes of its meetings convened on October 7, 2022; December 2, 2022, February 3, 2023, and Executive Sessions convened on November 15, 2022 and March 8, 2023.

II. APPROVAL TO PLAN, FINANCE, CONSTRUCT AND AWARD CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTS FOR CHILLED WATER CAPACITY ENHANCEMENT PROJECTS*

Jay Wasson, vice president for physical facilities and chief public safety officer provided project benefits. These included an increase in chilled water capacity, allowing production and distribution of chilled water to keep pace with campus growth and reliable production. He shared the estimated total project cost of $65.5M coming from operating fund reserves with construction starting February 2024 and a completion date of May 2026. 

Mr. Wasson requested approval to plan, finance, construct and award construction contracts for Chilled Water Capacity Enhancement Projects. Upon proper motion duly made and seconded, the Physical Facilities Committee voted unanimously to recommend full Board approval. Supporting materials were filed with the minutes.

III. APPROVAL TO PLAN, FINANCE, CONSTRUCT AND AWARD CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTS FOR BIRCK NANOTECHNOLOGY CENTER CLEAN ROOM MODERNIZATION, RELATED RENOVATIONS AND EQUIPMENT PURCHASES*

Mr. Wasson shared details for the project located in the Birck Nanotechnology Center on the West Lafayette campus, including an estimated total project cost of $49M which will be funded through gift funds in the amount of $19M and operating fund reserves in the amount of $30M. Construction is scheduled to start in January 2024 with a completion date of August 2024. He outlined the benefit of creating an environment required for new semiconductor and quantum-focused research that help attract industrial partnerships like Sky Water Technology to the university. This project supports the Purdue Moves 2.0: National Security and Technology Initiative and allows Purdue to be competitive in future CHIPS Act grant opportunities.

Mr. Wasson requested approval to plan, finance, construct and award construction contracts for Birck Nanotechnology Center Clean Room Modernization Related Renovations and Equipment Purchases. Upon proper motion duly made and seconded, the Physical Facilities Committee voted unanimously to recommend full Board approval. Supporting materials were filed with the minutes.

IV. APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION OF APPRECIATION TO PURDUE RESEARCH FOUNDATION FOR THE THIRD AND WEST HOUSING FACILITY PROJECT*

Jay Wasson requested approval of the Resolution of Appreciation to Purdue Research Foundation for the Third and West Housing Facility Project. He conveyed appreciation the University has for the support the Foundation provides in the educational mission of discovery, learning and engagement for over 90 years. He noted the University is dedicated to increasing on campus housing capacity and promoting student success in alignment with transformative education initiatives. He reported the housing project will be located at 3rd and McCormick Road consisting of 401 units and 637 beds with reconfiguration capabilities to accommodate up to 984 beds. The project is  anticipated to begin in Summer 2023 to allow occupancy for the Fall 2025 semester.

Acting Committee Chair Klipsch provided an explanation of the approval request which would confirm to PRF that the Board is in favor of this project and to thank them for stepping in to get this accomplished in a timely manner. Upon proper motion duly made and seconded, the Physical Facilities Committee voted unanimously to recommend full Board approval for the Resolution. A copy of the Resolution and supporting materials were filed with the minutes.

V. ADJOURNMENT

By consent, the meeting adjourned at 11:08 a.m.