The association, named Ifra, also will give the college a $2 million operating endowment to maintain the Newsplex center, which will be developed in what is now an empty studio space at S.C. ETV on Assembly Street. USC's Buildings and Grounds Committee at its Feb. 8 meeting approved the plan, which will require no financial commitment from the University. Development of the Newsplex center likely will begin later this year; a March 8 conference at USC will focus on the project.

In other business, the committee OK'd a $310,000 budget increase for renovations at South Caroliniana Library. The library, built in 1840, requires a new heating/air-conditioning system and also will get new carpet, paint, and other interior repairs. The total amount expended on the three-phase project will be $1.1 million, paid for with renovation reserves.

Renovations to the McBryde Quadrangle continue, and the budget for that project has been increased by $420,000 to $1.8 million. The quad, which currently houses fraternity groups, will be reserved for fraternities that cannot afford to build houses in the new Greek Village beside the Strom Thurmond Fitness and Wellness Center. Also, $490,000 in housing funds were approved to replace furnishings, carpet, and vinyl flooring in Thornwell, a residence hall originally built in 1913.

In other business, the committee approved a plan to renovate the School of Medicine library with about $500,000 in private funds. Construction on the Thurmond Fitness and Wellness Center is on track with a projected completion date of late 2002. Bids for the basketball arena project will be received Feb. 22; if the project is within budget, construction could begin in March.

A revised Facilities Master Plan will be presented at the March 22 Buildings and Grounds Committee meeting. The plan will reflect changing priorities and future developments for the Columbia campus.