University Art Gallery repairs cost $41,000

Repairs to the University Art Gallery have cost $41,000 so far and are nearing completion.

The building was closed for repairs after two underground lines began to leak. Because of the repairs, the opening faculty art exhibit was postponed to the spring.

“Visual Narratives: Reading between the Lines” is the exhibit scheduled to inaugurate the art gallery this semester Oct. 11.

In mid-August, the steam and condensate lines under the art gallery began leaking. Steam and condensate lines branch out from the powerhouse and are responsible for a building’s heating.

“We dug it up and the condensate and steam lines were made of copper, which is quite unusual,” said Associate Vice President of Facilities Management Steve Lawrence. “Typically, our condensate lines are made of steel.”

Lawrence said the steam line takes the heated steam from the power house, and the condensate line takes the steam back to the power house to get reheated.

He said some of the steam lines in the oldest parts of campus could be 80 to 90 years old.

Central Michigan Life reported in August the art gallery would require floor replacement, covering and painting.

“Painting is done,” Lawrence said. “Some touch-ups will be done after the first exhibit.”

The building that currently houses the art gallery will be 50 years old in 2009, placing it 14 years above the average age of buildings on campus.

In the last three years alone, the gallery required $95,600 in repairs.

The amount includes repairs to structural beams, installation of ceiling fans, lights, ductwork, drywall repair and extensive painting.