Illinois currently permits districts to finance repairs and construction related to children's health, life, or safety through a modest "backdoor" referendum rate tied to property values. These repairs are ameliorative but not preventative. This article recommends a strategic capital preservation plan that sets aside funds for use in…

Explores ways to identify and meet the housing goals of college campuses. Stresses the participatory approach through open communication between stakeholders in order to resolve design issues before construction funds are spent. Provides an example of Lafayette College's (Pennsylvania) experience with this approach. (GR)

Discusses the renovation of a gardner's cottage that provided students of Sarah Lawrence College with a place to meet and socialize. The building's history, features, and interior design features are highlighted. (GR)

Discusses a college master plan that remodeled old buildings, added new ones, and tied roads together on a campus that had experienced a haphazard evolution. The plan included splitting large parking lots into smaller ones divided by trees and plants, moving university functions of certain buildings to other locations, and strategically locating…

Discusses Yale University's campus facility renovation program that revitalized its undergraduate teaching areas after years of neglected maintenance while maintaining the traditional architectural character. Architectural details and preservation techniques are examined. (GR)

Discusses considerations in flooring, wiring, and furniture when remodeling classrooms for the information age. Conversion planning stages are addressed. (GR)

Presents a unit on designing and building a bridge. (YDS)

Describes how a metal roofing system can offer a variety of cost and design benefits when retrofitting a facility. Discusses the available options in metal roofing systems, steps to take when initiating a retrofit, and suggested precautions, such as moisture control, when installing the new roof. (RJM)

Discusses how annual boiler maintenance can help cut fuel costs and prevent downtime. Outlines a cleaning program, which includes inspecting the fireside of the boiler, checking the refractory, and checking the waterside. Describes other maintenance measures, such as checking hydraulic fluid levels, and offers tips for analyzing combustion. (RJM)

Offers suggestions for facility managers who work with architects. Outlines what managers should do, such as clear decision making, and what they should not do, such as promising project delivery when not having control of all the variables. Provides a list of expectations and realities when working with architects. (RJM)

Offers suggestions for facilities managers to alleviate dissatisfaction with architects during school building or renovation projects. Areas discussed include budgets, communication, program development, scheduling, firm hiring, resource allocating, fees payment, and increasing the scope of the projects. (RE)

Discusses how as the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga expands into a decaying black neighborhood--including donating the land for a public school--not all of the residents support the changes. (EV)

Discusses the organizational and contractual concepts behind making a school's central plant's production more reliable and cost effective. A description of the Energy Services Coalition's contribution to the process and its services are highlighted. (GR)

Explains how modular buildings are uniquely qualified to solve space crunch problems, budgetary concerns, and time pressures when expanding and improving educational facilities. (GR)

Presents several examples of modular building construction being used be school districts to support their need for more space, building flexibility, and enhancement of the learning environment. Comparisons with traditionally built school facilities are offered as are answers to commonly held myths concerning modular construction. (GR)