Construction brings change on campuses

The landscape of campus is changing as construction projects progress this semester.

While the most visible projects include the new Oak Street residence hall, the Miller Nichols Library expansion, the new student union and the Stanley H. Durwood Soccer Stadium and Recreational Field, Assistant Vice Chancellor of Facilities Management Bob Simmons said many other less visible projects are underway including a $10 million renovation of the Health Sciences Building.

The university also has 17 projects in planning and 12 future projects laid out in the master plan.

The projects in planning include items which have existing plans but incomplete funding like Hospital Hill student housing and a Miller Nichols parking structure. The future projects include those with no plans or funding such as a Bloch School addition, a new sciences education building and a Troost Avenue west parking structure.

Simmons said all current construction projects are continuing as scheduled, but there are some concerns about future projects because of pending state funding cutbacks.

"There are definitely concerns about the current economy," he said. "But we are actively raising funding."

After the opening of the new Oak Street dorm, Cherry Street Residence Hall will no longer be used as a dorm. The Pychology Department and the Master of Social Work program will move from 4825 Troost to Cherry Street.

Simmons said the future use of the 4825 Troost building has not yet been determined. He added that because of its current condition, the existing building will not likely be reused.

For construction updates and more project information, visit http://masterplan.umkc.edu. Street and sidewalk closings will be posted on the Web site.

alang@unews.com