OSU Lewis Field construction status

(Stillwater-AP) -- Oklahoma State University and state officials are at odds over the architectural firm chosen for the 100 million dollar renovation of Lewis Field. <br><br>The state agency responsible

Thursday, August 2nd 2001, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Stillwater-AP) -- Oklahoma State University and state officials are at odds over the architectural firm chosen for the 100 million dollar renovation of Lewis Field.

The state agency responsible for reviewing the architectural contracts won't approve OSU's selection of Tulsa-based Gary Sparks Company for the renovation.

Sparks' firm was chosen by the university after it had been ranked least-qualified by a professional selection committee. Sparks is a friend of OSU Athletic Director Terry Don Phillips and a prominent Cowboy booster and alumnus.

The Department of Central Services has asked OSU to provide documents justifying the decision to break from state hiring procedures.

An official with the Department of Central Services tells The Daily Oklahoman that OSU's selection of Sparks doesn't appear to comply with state statutes.