07/15/2014

Update #8:

This note serves as the bi-weekly update on the work associated with the move of IPS offices to the new building at 1610 University Avenue, in Knoxville. The committee discussions are captured in the SharePoint site at
https://utworks.tennessee.edu/ips/1610/SitePages/Home.aspx .

There are continuing improvements and changes in the project as we move forward, and in brief:

· The University has assigned a new architect to the project to work with both IPS and the UT Foundation. This week Rick Whitehead and I had a great meeting with the architects, and at our request the architects are preparing a new timeline for the project. I’ll share this with you when complete.

· Following extensive staff review we do have a draft office layout for the building, and the current plan is attached for your information. While there may be minor changes as the project moves forward, the current layout does seem to address most of the concerns raised in the planning process. Special thanks to Stephanie Allen for putting this into clear and very understandable layouts.

· The second floor does tentatively include space for staff from the UT Foundation. The Foundation is working through a space assessment to determine if the other building is adequate to meet their office and meeting space needs.

· Now that we do have an office layout you can start planning for the move. We aren’t yet ready to start packing, but if you would like to visit the site to help you with office plans please work through your program manager for team or group visits. Jill Marling and I can provide access to the building.

The work of the planning teams has been on hold while we developed office layouts and as the university changed the design process. Construction, carpet replacement and painting are not yet ready to go, but the teams continue to address issues:

· The IT team is continuing to develop plans for data drops, printers and landline telephones. Scott Gordy and Justin O’Hara can assist you if you have specific questions and concerns.

· The use and selection of cubicles and open office furniture is under review, and we will be preparing an inventory of what we need and what we currently have available. The program managers will be involved in the selection of these items.

· The training staff is considering room layouts and the need for tables, chairs and equipment for the training and class rooms.

· Signage is also an issue of concern, and we are looking at external signage on the building, monument signs around the building, and external or door signage with agency names and identifiers.

The members of the project planning teams include the following, and please do contact me or the members of the teams if you have questions or need further information:

	Team Lead	Central Office	MTAS	Team Assignments
Planning	Rick Whitehead	Susan Robertson	Stephanie Allen	Renovations/space assignment
		Steve Thompson	Macel Ely	Painting/carpet
		Beth Phillips	Doug Brown	Furniture
		Jill Marling
Logistics	Judie Martin	Gary Peevely	Nancy Gibson	Parking/signage
		Walter Idol	P. J. Snodgrass	Mail/ID cards
		Jane Davis	Brett Ward	Packing/Moving
Business office	Gail White	Thaddeus Grace	Sherri Brown	Files
		Pat Frost	Dale Wolfe
IT	Scott Gordy	N/A	Justin O'Hara	IT, telephones, equipment, security
Library	Frances Adams-O'Brien	N/A	Becky Smeltzer

Thank you for your service to the university and the state of Tennessee, and I do look forward to a successful move.

Steve

Steven T. Thompson
Assistant Vice President
UT Institute for Public Service
105 Student Services Bldg.
Knoxville, TN 37996-0213
865-974-9609 Telephone
239-963-6738 Cell

www.ips.tennessee.edu