13 WTHRIUPUI presents plan to renovate aging natatorium

IUPUI presents plan to renovate aging natatorium

Mary Milz/Eyewitness News

Indianapolis - IUPUI says it will take $15 million to renovate its 27-year-old natatorium.

Monday afternoon, Roger Schmenner, the chancellor's chief of staff, made his case before the city's Capital Improvement Board in the hopes of getting some financial help.

Schmenner said the well-known aquatic center - home to Olympic team trials and world championships - needs major repairs. He said the roof is rusting and leaking, causing damage throughout the facility. He also said the hydraulic floor of the instructional pool has been broken for five years.

"We're woefully deficient in what our maintenance has been on the natatorium," Schmenner said.

Schmenner asked the CIB to consider assigning 40% of the food and beverage and hotel taxes generated by IUPUI's University Place Hotel for maintenance. He said the taxes would raise almost $44.4 million over 16 years. He said the rest of the money needed for repairs and a maintenance fund would come from naming rights, sponsorships and other partners.

Asked why the university approached the CIB, which has money concerns of its own, Schmenner said, "We could have made our case before any number of groups. Everyone is struggling now, we recognize that. But we wanted to start somewhere and it seemed logical to go first to the CIB and the city."

Outgoing CIB President Bob Grand said hearing about the natatorium's needs was a good starting point.

"If we do do something, we need to know what the options are," Grand said.

Grand pointed out that the CIB has had a history of providing money through grants to the Indiana Sports Corp, Black Expo and the arts.

Mel Goldstein, a master swimmer with Indy Swim Fit said, the natatorium, with its world class events, is a huge asset to the city.

"It's the crown jewel of swimming. There's none other like it. We're proud of it," said Goldstein.

While CIB members seemed generally supportive, several asked about restrictions on how the tax money can be used.

New board president Ann Lathrop said there were challenges as "most of that tax money is pledged to other debt issues."

She suggested IUPUI also talk to the Stadium Authority as it too has a share of the hospitality taxes.

Schmenner said he was happy to talk to anyone willing to listen.

Sports Corp President Susan Williams said there was a certain urgency to getting the natatorium fixed, especially if the the city wants to continue hosting elite eve She called sinking a little money into the natatorium a wise investment.

IUPUI "isn't really asking the city to fix it, but to participate in what's to be a major capital campaign to get the renovation done. It's really a small contribution by comparison," Williams said.

With CIB turning over in January, new members will have to tackle the issue. Schmenner said IUPUI would be approaching several other groups for financial assistance. When asked who had committed to helping or how much had been raised, he said he wasn't sure, but he said getting the natatorium fixed would be a top priority in the coming months.

In separate action, the CIB agreed to accept a $27 million loan from the state, closing on the first $9 million installment Tuesday. Ann Lathrop said while it was her hope the loan wouldn't be necessary, it would provide a cushion.

Mayor Greg Ballard also declared it Pat Early Day in Indianapolis. Monday was Early's last day on the CIB after serving 18 years, longer than any other board member.

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IU Natatorium desperate for repairs