ANN ARBOR—The University of Michigan Board of Regents today approved the schematic designs for a new Basketball Player Development Center for the university’s basketball programs. The designs were developed by Jickling Lyman Powell Associates, assisted by Sink Combs Dethlefs.

The facility, to be built adjacent to Crisler Arena, will provide approximately 57,000 gross square feet, including two basketball practice courts, team locker rooms for players and coaches, athletic medicine and hydrotherapy.

“The basketball player development center is truly a multi-purpose facility that is another step in sustaining the growth of our athletic department,” said Bill Martin, the Donald R. Shepherd Director of Intercollegiate Athletics. “The facility will add needed flexibility for student-athletes?especially with the men and women’s basketball programs?as they set their academic and athletic schedules.”

The second floor will accommodate men’s and women’s coaching staff and administrative support functions, as well as film-viewing rooms and strength and conditioning space.

The proposed design calls for a new entrance to Crisler Arena for players and coaches at the playing floor level and a new, dramatic Hall of Fame in the entry lobby. The lobby would provide a distinct identity for the basketball programs while harmonizing with the existing basketball arena and Michigan Stadium.

“We are truly excited about this project and we can’t wait for the start of construction,” Martin said.

Construction will be phased over a two-year period and completed in fall 2011.

Approximately 150 parking spaces will be lost during construction. However, a portion of spaces?about 55?will be available upon completion of the project.

The estimated cost of the project is $23.2 million. Funding will be provided through private donations and Athletic Department resources.