You asked for information regarding repairs made to the president’s house at the University of Connecticut.

The president’s residence was built in 1940 and has never undergone significant renovation since. According to the Office of Governmental Relations at the University of Connecticut, the main focus of the renovation was to (1) bring the residence up to safety code by updating electrical wiring and removing hazardous material, (2) make the residence handicap accessible, (3) preserve the house’s historical character, and (4) redesign the interior to create a space appropriate for University functions.

During the reconstruction phase, three problems were discovered that made the project more complex and expensive: (1) water leakage in the gutters compromised the structural integrity of one room; (2) a rock ledge, which called for excavation, was found; and (3) the second floor needed extra structural support.

The total cost of the project was $ 1,002,866, which can be divided into two components. Removing hazardous material, bringing the house up to safety code and preserving its historical nature cost $ 484,866. Consulting fees and renovations cost $ 518,000. The UCONN Foundation provided $ 500,000 for the project and the remainder was paid by deferred maintenance funds from UCONN 2000.

The University put this project out to competitive bid. The construction bid was limited to minority- or women-owned companies. Kilroy Construction, the low bidder, was chosen. The original contract granted to Kilroy was for $ 460,000, but was raised to $ 619,000 after the problems in the reconstruction phase were discovered. BL Companies from Meriden was chosen as the architect for the project and received $ 109,000 for its services. PETCO received $ 190,000 for removing hazardous material from the residence. The remaining $ 84,866 was for electrical and landscaping work completed by UCONN trade and crafts personnel.

The University of Connecticut president currently resides in the house. In addition, the president hosts various activities in the residence, including fundraising and ceremonial functions.

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