VSU will choose a design team to construct two parking decks behind the student rec center and in a part of the Oak Street parking lot.Matt Smith
mattsmith@valdosta.edu

VSU is looking to hire a design team to begin work on two new parking decks according to Dr. Rob Kellner, director of auxiliary services.

Kellner said the plans currently are for decks behind the student recreation center and in a portion of the Oak Street parking lot. However, Kellner said these plans are not final and could change once the design team is brought on.

“One of our tasks for the design team will be to look at alternate locations,” Kellner said. “And, if they see something that makes more sense in their mind, to recommend it.”

Kellner said the projected amount of parking spaces each deck will have is one thousand a piece. The anticipated amount of net space gained is about 1500.

The standard industry price of decks is $15,000 per parking space. If bought at this price, the decks could cost about $30 million. But, Kellner expects to get a better price.

“What they’ve told me is that we’re likely to get more bids because of our location, which will help drag the price down,” Kellner said.

The current plans consist of using student fees to pay for the decks.

“What we’re looking at is fifty dollars this year and an additional fifty when the garage is built,” Kellner said.

The deadline for design teams to apply for the job was Tuesday. Kellner said he hopes to make a recommendation for the design team at an April Board of Regents meeting, and hopes to start working in early May with the team in coming up with structures.

Kellner said that VSU hopes to see construction begin as soon as fall semester is over this year. The plans are pending Board of Regents’ approval.

As a temporary solution for the spaces lost during construction in the spring, Kellner said one of the ideas is to make the big field at North campus into a temporary lot. He says other options are also being considered. For more information call Auxiliary Services at 229- 333-5706.