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State approves Dobson, Melcher renovation projects
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The State Building Commission approved several projects throughout the University of Wisconsin System during its meeting on Jan. 14, including three projects on the UW–Platteville campus.

The commission voted to allow the university to accept the gift in kind of the Swine Center from the UW–Platteville Foundation as well as renovations to Dobson Hall and Melcher Hall. Dobson Hall was constructed in 1964, while Melcher Hall was constructed in 1965. The UW–Platteville Foundation constructed the Swine Center in 2004.

The renovation of Dobson Hall is anticipated to occur this summer, while the renovation of Melcher Hall will occur in the summer of 2016.

“The university greatly appreciates the support of the Building Commission and Board of Regents to renovate Dobson and Melcher halls,” said Rob Cramer, vice chancellor for Administrative Services at UW–Platteville. “These will provide an improved living and learning environment for our students and create jobs in the Platteville community during construction.”

Both residence hall buildings will receive upgrades to electrical, plumbing, telecommunications, and interior finishes throughout. Fire sprinkler systems and accessibility upgrades will be added to both buildings. The basement areas will be significantly renovated to accommodate development of kitchen, laundry and gathering spaces. Resident room lighting will also be replaced in both halls. Dobson Hall will receive a new elevator and major reconfiguration of the bathroom and shower facilities. Melcher Hall will receive an additional stairway to bring both wings of the building into better alignment due to offset floor levels. There will be exterior work that will provide site modifications to improve drainage issues.

“The projects approved today continue the Building Commission’s tradition of being good stewards of taxpayer resources,” said Gov. Scott Walker in a press release on Wednesday, adding that the projects “will efficiently improve state facilities all across Wisconsin.”