Multi-Purpose Complex

Multipurpose Review Committee

Overview

University/private sector partnerships are common in today’s world. The ability to leverage opportunities and resources can advance the academic mission and can prove to be beneficial for institutions and businesses alike. Recognizing the economic climate in Oakland County, and the importance of recent inquiries from the private sector, there is the potential for the creation of such a partnership at Oakland University. To that end, the Oakland University Board of Trustees requested that President Russi report to the Board on the feasibility, potential and desirability of these inquiries. Subsequently Dr. Russi formed a committee of faculty, students and administrators and charged the committee with the responsibility of advising him on how the development of a multi faceted capital project encompassing a conference center, performing arts center and ice arena might benefit the university.

Multi-Purpose Complex Description

The concept of a multi-purpose complex being considered is to locate some major developments on a single site on campus, in order to maximize return from land use and create efficiencies where possible. The following components have been surfaced for consideration to be located in such a complex:

Performing Arts Center. Oakland University has a long and rich history as a major cultural center in Oakland County. As recommended in the University’s strategic planning and "Creating the Future" processes, a performing arts center could build upon that history and could enhance the University’s visibility and image in the region. Based on a proposal received from a private developer, this would entail a 5,000 seat, $50 million top quality performing arts theater that would attract such things as major Broadway shows, concerts and other specialty shows.

Conference Center/Hotel. This idea has been under discussion at Oakland University for many years, particularly in response to the expansion of the business community surrounding campus and as an opportunity to host academic conferences. It is currently envisioned as a top quality executive corporate and academic conference center designed to serve the needs of regional businesses, governmental units and the University. The size is uncertain and would likely flow from market and financial analysis yet to be undertaken. The many cultural and recreational attractions on campus lend further appeal to this type of project.

Ice Arena. This concept has also been under discussion for some time at the University. An ice arena that would serve the community as well as an intercollegiate hockey program at the University, and that could be used as dry floor exhibit space when not in use for those purposes could be a major draw for the University. In order to serve as a viable facility for intercollegiate hockey, a main arena with 5,000-7,000 seats would likely be required.

Process

On the surface it might appear to some that there is little compatibility among the above three components, however, closer examination may reveal economies of scale and potential efficiencies among the three that could enhance the feasibility and attractiveness of moving forward with some or all of the three components of the project. The committee will explore the concept by consulting and conducting forums with numerous campus constituencies. These forums will be led by members of the committee organized into sub-groups, and the resulting information will then be transmitted back to the committee as a whole.

The guiding principles that will govern the acquisition result from the objectives of the University’s strategic thinking, which include meeting the needs of its constituencies, furthering the University’s recognition and reputation as an institution of excellence and achieving national eminence in teaching, learning, research and service. Given these guideposts, the sub-groups will frame individual forum sessions by asking two critical questions:

1. How will this project (or part of this project) enhance the University’s mission?.

2. What are the potential benefits and costs to the University of this project, or any of its components?

It is anticipated that, via the forum experience, an exchange of information will result in refinement and improvement of the concept, or we will identify the drawbacks or potential barriers to any or all parts of the project. Ultimately, the committee will report and recommend to the president on whether to proceed with the development of this concept of a multi-purpose complex.

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2/16/99