The $21 million, 86,000-square-foot facility will include a "tunable" performance hall and up-to-date teaching studios for the music engineering technology program.

It also will house rehearsal, office, library, storage and teaching areas for studio, orchestra, band and choral activities for music students and faculty.

The project is currently out on bid. Site work will likely start in mid-November, said Greg Graham, assistant director of facilities planning.

Workers will begin fencing in the area Monday. The house on the corner of Calvert Street and Riverside that has been used by the Center for International Programs will be demolished to make room for the new building.

International Programs has moved to the first floor of the L. A. Pittenger Student Center.

An official ground breaking ceremony for the music building is being planned, but a date has not been finalized.

Within the past month Parking Services has sent letters to faculty, staff and students who purchased permits for the reserved lot being closed. They had a choice of six other reserved lots or a general parking permit.

Nancy Wray, systems coordinator and office supervisor for Parking Services, said nearly everyone had made their requests by last week's deadline date.

In addition, a new 600-space parking garage to be located immediately south of the music building is in the design stage, noted Graham. The construction schedule for the $8 million structure will be determined later. The facility will be funded as part of the university parking system.

By Nancy Prater, Web Editor

(NOTE TO EDITORS: For more information, contact Graham at ggraham@bsu.eduor (765) 285-2828.)