Tennessee Tech trustees approve disclosure to proceed with donor-funded university tower

The Tennessee Technological University Board of Trustees approved disclosure and submission of a proposed university tower at a special called virtual meeting, authorizing staff to seek State Building Commission approval and to proceed with design work.

A presenter described the project as a tower to be sited at the intersection of University Drive and Wilmore Way on the Tennessee Tech campus and said, “Estimated cost is, $2.7 million.” The presenter said the figure includes an estimated 5% allowance for inflation between disclosure and completion.

The presenter told trustees the majority of the funding will come from a designated donor gift. Trustee Garry McNabb and other trustees confirmed the donation is intended for the tower and that the donor wished to remain anonymous.

Trustee Tom Jones asked about the tower’s interior and whether it was a shell or a finished space; a speaker identified as Phil said the concept is approximately 70 feet tall and that detailed design and final scope remain to be determined through a forthcoming architect procurement and design review process.

Trustee Trudy Harper moved to approve disclosure of the project for submission to the State Building Commission and to proceed with the next steps; Trustee Tom Jones seconded. Secretary Wray called the roll and the motion carried.

Board members were told that approving disclosure does not finalize design: the university will hire an architect, develop final plans, and return design recommendations to the board for review before construction begins. The meeting closed after the vote.

The board cited Tennessee Code and Tennessee Tech policy 003 in explaining the need for a remote meeting determination earlier in the session so trustees could participate electronically.