Constructive changes transform campus

Student Union

What seemed to be nothing more than a hole in the ground when students left for summer break is now nearly three stories high.

The new Student Union, nestled on the hill behind the Administrative Center, is the university's answer to a 2007 study that showed UMKC students want a new, environmentally-friendly student union that provides more food options, computer and lounge space, meeting rooms and a theater.

"We are on budget and on schedule to open in fall 2010," said Bob Simmons, assistant vice chancellor of Facilities Management. "Rockin' and rollin'."

The 110,000 square foot Student Union will be LEED Certified, with green features such as outside bicycle storage, public transportation access, storm water control and a rooftop patio and garden overlooking the Country Club Plaza.

While the outside features of the $38.3 million structure have been decided by the university, students will have a number of opportunities to "personalize" the interior.

The furniture, restaurants, final colors and finishes will all be determined by student feedback.

A room staged with sample furniture, décor and design plans is set up in the University Center for students to stop by and vote of their favorites.

A student-led group keeps track of the votes and presents the desires of the student body to the administration.

"This is a project that presents a lot of opportunities for students to get involved," Simmons said.

Miller Nichols Library

Libraries and noise don't mix - unless of course the library is undergoing a major renovation like UMKC's own Miller Nichols Library.

The $65-$75 million construction and renovation project began in the spring of 2008.

To be completed in three separate phases, the first phase is scheduled to be finished in the summer of 2010.

So far, Simmons said everything is on budget, but slightly behind schedule because of the weather.

"The structure is up out of the ground and the steel will be complete by the end of September," Simmons said. "We are working to make up the time."

The first phase involves installing an automated high-density storage and retrieval system - a robot. Approximately 80 percent of the library's resources will be placed in the robot. About 20 percent will remain out for visitors to browse.

"You still have that serendipitous discovery of books," Simmons noted.

He added that things seem to be on schedule to begin loading books into the robot next summer. It will be a several month process.

Stanley H. Durwood Soccer Stadium and Recreational Field

Work is not quite finished, but that hasn't deterred fans or players from enjoying the Durwood Soccer Stadium and Recreational Field.

The field and walking track at the new $9 million stadium were finished early allowing the soccer teams to begin using the field for practice and games.

Simmons said when the contractor told the university that the project could possibly be finished early, they embraced it.

He said he is happy they were able to make it happen.

Although the facility only has seating for 850, approximately 1,200 people attended the men's first exhibition game, Simmons said.

The team support facility, which includes offices and locker rooms, and an area for field events will be complete by Oct. 3, when the new complex and the Herman and Dorothy Johnson Hall will be dedicated.

UMKC programs, intramural athletes and approved community sports teams will have access to this soccer, softball and track facility.

alang@unews.com