The Board of Regents is beginning the process that could lead to substantial renovations of Friley Hall.

The Board of Regents will discuss approving a feasibility study to determine what improvements Friley Hall needs at its meeting Wednesday, said Barbara Boose, communications specialist for the Board of Regents.

The study would assess Friley Hall, determine what renovations are needed and estimate the cost of the renovations, Boose said.

As stated in regents policy, the board must approve a feasibility study if its estimated cost is $150,000 or more, she said.

The estimated cost for a feasibility study of Friley Hall by RGD Planning and Design, a design firm in Des Moines, is $235,000.

The Department of Residence is uncertain about what renovations need to occur or how much they would cost, said Greg Lee, associate director for administrative services of the Department of Residence.

“That’s the real value of the plan.” Lee said. “… so we can go forward in a coherent fashion.”

Lee said the cost of the feasibility study would be paid through Department of Residence funds.

Subsequent steps needing board approval include a design of the proposed renovations, an overall description of the renovations and a budget, Boose said.

“All residence systems are self-supporting,” she said. “They generate enough revenue that they don’t receive state appropriations for operations or capital improvements.”

Boose said she anticipates the Board of Regents will take some action to approve the design crew for the feasibility study.

The idea to renovate Friley Hall was discussed in the Department of Residence’s Master Plan in 1998, Lee said.

By making renovations, the Department of Residence is trying to encourage students to stay in the residence halls, he said.

The feasibility study will take at least six months, Lee said.

Once the feasibility study is completed, the Department of Residence will review the findings and decide what renovations will be made, he said.

“It will depend on what we find and what the recommendations are,” Lee said.