Trustees approve $1.2 million gift-in-place renovation for Community Engagement and Sustainability Center and expanded food pantry

The Austin Peay State University Business and Finance Committee approved a renovation to convert the vacant bookstore annex into a Community Engagement and Sustainability Center, funded through a gift-in-place agreement.

Dr. Sharous Roopavar, vice president for finance and administration, said the project will place the SOS food pantry on the first floor and create office space for the community engagement and sustainability team on the second floor. "This renovation will be primarily funded as a gift in place where Leo and Lily Yuan will deliver to the university a finished space ready for furnishing and occupation," Roopavar said. He told the committee conceptual designs and a draft gift agreement were included in meeting packets and requested authorization to execute a nonbinding letter of intent and pursue required state approvals.

Roopavar said the entire project is not expected to exceed $1,200,000. He reported the food pantry had 4,676 visits last fiscal year, an 89% increase from the year before, and described the planned pantry as the largest of its kind in Tennessee. Committee members asked whether the gift type was unique; presenters and trustees noted it is an uncommon "gift in place" project and expressed enthusiasm for the donor-backed renovation and the recent facility upgrades.

The committee moved, seconded and approved a motion to renovate the garage portion of 328 College Street into the Community Engagement and Sustainability Center at a cost not to exceed $1,200,000 and to approve a letter of intent to enter into a gift-in-place agreement with donors Leo and Lily Yuan.

Chris Phillips and Dr. Leonard Clemens were present to answer questions, per Roopavar. The committee did not record amendments to the motion. Presenters said the university would cover furnishing costs and pursue required state department approvals before finalizing the agreement.