Indiana University has approval to start work on a $56 million renovation of two Bloomington campus residence hall complexes that faced extensive mold problems last fall.
The State Budget Committee signed off Wednesday on IU's plan to accelerate the overhaul of the Foster and McNutt complexes.
IU Vice President Tom Morrison told the board that work that includes replacing the heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems is expected to be finished by the fall 2021 semester. About 2,500 beds will be unavailable during the renovation, which has prompted IU to spend $9.5 million on reserving space at near-campus apartment complexes for students.
Morrison said IU has enough residence hall space for incoming freshmen, but returning students can lease the apartments through the university. Fees paid by students will cover the costs.
The renovations of Foster and McNutt are part of an IU plan to spend $300 million in total on student housing over the next six years, which includes renovation projects in all residence halls on the Bloomington campus, as well as construction of the new North Hall, which will be completed in 2020.
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