ROCKWALL —
Texas A&M University-Commerce is preparing to establish a presence in Rockwall after the Texas A&M Board of Regents passed a resolution allowing the university to lease a 25,000 square foot building in the Rockwall Technology Park.
The lease, which, if signed would last for five years and two months, also includes an possible four year extension. A&M-Commerce President Dr. Dan Jones submitted agenda item 16 to the Committee on Buildings and Physical Plant, which was discussed by the Board of Regents on Aug. 3.
“A&M-Commerce seeks to lease a building just south of IH-30 in Rockwall to provide educational programs for the eastern sector of Dallas County and Rockwall County,” the item read. “The location is ideal for the typical commuter student who would be targeted for this campus. The building is approximately 25,500 gross square feet in size.”
The lease would include a potential four year lease extension based on market value. A&M-Commerce would pay $12.75 per square foot per year, rate that would escalate 2.5 percent per year during the initial term of five years and two months.
Bob Brown, vice president for business and administration.
“Plans are to open the Rockwall campus for the 2013 spring semester,” A&M-Commerce Vice President for Business and Administration Bob Brown said. “We currently have authority to teach three graduate programs in Rockwall. They are the MBA and two different masters degrees in education. The lease is for 62 months, and the facility is roughly 25,000 square feet and will include eight classrooms, as well as offices for local and technology staff. We will continue to dialogue with local leaders and community members to identify the need for other program offerings.”
The university would also pay an operating expense, estimated for the upcoming year at $3.80 per square foot.
“The rent will be abated for the first two months of the lease as the landlord’s contribution to the initial tenant finish-out,” the item read. “A&M-Commerce will pay the costs to construct necessary classroom specific tenant improvements. The landlord will perform the work and will be reimbursed by A&M-Commerce after satisfactory completion of the tenant improvements.”
The Board also passed a resolution allowing A&M-Commerce to name the Science Building after former president and long-time faculty member Dr. Keith McFarland. McFarland, who is currently serving as the acting president of Texas A&M University-Kingsville, retired from A&M-Commerce in 2008 after spending 10 years as president. In total, he spent 38 years at the university as a history professor, department head, and dean of the graduate school.
The three story, $28 million Science Building and Planetarium was dedicated in 2006, during McFarland’s tenure as president.
According to Associate Vice President of Marketing Communications Randy Jolly, the university is planning a formal dedication for the Science Building.
Top News
College to lease building in Rockwall
- Top News
-
-
Iraqi siblings at RHS paint lighter picture of home
There is place more than 7,000 miles away that most Americans only know from horrific scenes on the news. But two Rockwall High School students have lived there and know a different side of the story.
-
THE BIG DIG
Rockwall recently enjoyed a moment in the spotlight as geologists marveled at the town’s namesake. The actual rock wall once discovered by the founders of the city was excavated by local father-son duo Kevin and Daniel Richeson for an episode of the History Channel series “America Unearthed,” scheduled to air in November.
-
Former RPD crime analyst joins Royse City staff
Thomas Fry, crime analyst and computer technician for the Rockwall Police Department since 2005, joined the City of Royse City staff on May 6 as senior project manager.
-
Rockwall-based group providing hope for sick children
Hundreds of kids are diagnosed with cancer every week, and once that happens, the weeks and months to come are certain to be difficult as radiation and chemotherapy treatments become a routine.
The people with Baskets of Hope can’t cure cancer, but they can certainly provide a bit of relief, comfort and inspiration to cancer-ridden children across the nation. -
RISD security item tabled by court
After weeks of discussion on a huge issue presented to the court, the Rockwall County Commissioners Court did not make a motion to vote on the item during Tuesday’s regular meeting.
-
AT YOUR SERVICE
Life should get a bit easier for five disabled veterans, as each received their service dog last Friday during a graduation ceremony at Patriot PAWS in Rockwall.
-
Megyesi wins Fate seat by narrow margin
Lorne Megyesi and Jim Thornhill’s race for the Place 1 seat on the Fate City Council provided a perfect example of how every vote counts.
-
Bailey, White win seats on Rockwall ISD school board
Jon Bailey and Jim White earned seats on the Rockwall Independent School District board of trustees with lopsided wins during Saturday’s elections.
-
Former constable indicted for Harbor shootings
A Rockwall County grand jury Wednesday indicted former Hunt County Constable Anthony Dewayne Lewis on charges of murder and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon involving the Feb. 16 shootings at The Harbor in Rockwall.
-
RPD partners with Nextdoor for virtual neighborhood watch
In an effort to help facilitate a virtual neighborhood watch program, the Rockwall Police Department began partnering in March with the Nextdoor program (www.nextdoor.com), a private social network for neighborhoods to establish a virtual Neighborhood Watch.
- More Top News Headlines
-
Iraqi siblings at RHS paint lighter picture of home
Jodi Arias: Death Penalty Would Cause More Pain
Looking for Love? Take the Prague Metro
Crews Race to Find Survivors of Okla. Twister
First Person: Baby Falcons on a New York Bridge
Oklahoma: Images of Devastation, Reunion
Reunited Dad, Son: 'We Just Praise God'
Slow Pokes: Acupuncture Helps Sick Turtles
Moore, Okla. City of Reunions, Tears After Storm
Former IRS Chief: Can't Say How List Happened
Gov. Fallin: Okla. Facing Horrific Disaster
Tim Cook Defends Apple's Tax Accounting
AP Photograher: 'It Was a Miracle' They Got Out
Raw: Crews Search for Survivors of Okla. Tornado
Raw: Tearful Reunion After Okla. Tornado
OKC Hospital Describes Treating Tornado Wounded
Obama Pledges Urgent Aid for Tornado Victims
Raw: Massive Funnel Clouds in Oklahoma
