Built in 1904, Picken Hall is Fort Hays State University's oldest building and has served many purposes over the past 100 years. With its stately Greek-style portico and white pillars it remains the most iconic structure on the FHSU campus today.
This year Picken Hall will undergo its first major renovation in nearly 50 years at a cost of $6 million. Not only will it receive much-needed upgrades, but Picken will be reconfigured as a "one stop shop" for student services. The offices of the registrar, admissions, financial assistance, academic advising and student fiscal services, the Kelly Center and graduate school will all be housed there.
The Kansas State Legislature has made available tax credits for Regents universities' top deferred maintenance needs, and Fort Hays State University's top priority is the renovation of Picken Hall.
Beginning July 1, 2008, donors interested in supporting the renovation project can receive a 50% Kansas tax credit with a minimum contribution of $10,000. Also with their investments at certain levels, alumni and friends will have the option to attach their names to spaces in the building such as office suites, individual offices, conference rooms and new lobby areas. See the complete list of naming opportunities.
In total, $4 million in tax credits will be available through 2012, with $371,000 available in 2008. Tax credits will be available on a first-come first-served basis. Other items to consider about deferred maintenance tax credits are:
(To sell the credit, sale price must equal at least 50% of the full value of the credit. The taxpayer acquiring credit may use the credit to offset 100% of the taxpayer’s income, privilege or premiums tax liability. A credit shall be claimed in the tax year purchased.)
The donation will be reduced by the amount of the tax credit in the year the contribution is made on the federal return.
Certification by the Department of Revenue will be web-based. The manager for this tax credit program at the FHSU Foundation is Dorothy Klaus, 785-628-5624, daklaus@fhsu.edu.
One of the most notable changes during renovation will be the addition to the center section of the east side of the building, facing Park Street. This two-and-a-half story addition will have an atrium feel and will serve as a central entrance point, which the building is lacking.
A new lobby area will be created on the west side of Picken Hall and windows will be replaced with doors to allow for entry into the building from the portico. That will open up a thoroughfare from the quad directly through the middle of the building, which currently doesn’t exist.
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