Projects to Change Look and Feel of UT Dallas

Just call it “Extreme Makeover:  Campus Edition.”  The first wave in a series of major campus construction projects is already under way, with improvements expected to overhaul the look and feel of the UT Dallas campus this year and beyond.

“There are going to be a lot of exciting changes — and a lot of construction — taking place on campus,” said Rick Dempsey, associate vice president for business affairs, facilities management.  “At times it may be noisy and difficult to get around.  We ask that our students, faculty, staff and visitors have patience with us, use caution when moving around campus and expect major improvements when everything is done.”

Areas that will be closed or have limited access include walkways through and around Founders Hall, the area north of Berkner Hall, portions of the mall area, and Drive A at the intersection of University Parkway.      

Dempsey said that several projects are already in motion or slated to begin this fall.  Among them are:

• Student Residence Hall — A 148,000-square-foot, 400-bed residence hall that will be ready for occupancy in fall 2009.  The building will offer a living, learning community geared toward freshmen students.  The hall will include a mix of furnished, three-bedroom, single-bath suites and efficiency units for peer advisers.  It will also have large, open communal spaces and numerous study areas.  Estimated cost is $29.2 million.

• Food Services Hall — The 30,000-square-foot dining hall will have space for students, faculty and staff to mingle, relax and dine.  It will be open seven days a week and will include a lounge area, separate faculty/university reception area and exterior courtyard.  Features will include a waffle bar, cooking and beverage stations, potato and dessert bars and full meal options.  The estimated cost is $8.6 million, and the hall is expected to be finished in summer 2009.

• Campus Landscape Project — This project encompasses enhancement of the campus entrance along University Parkway from Campbell Road and the central core campus, including the plaza surrounding the McDermott Library, the Student Union, the Founders Building and the Green Center.  It will include water features and numerous pedestrian walkways.  Internationally acclaimed landscape architectural firm Peter Walker and Partners is leading the effort.  A massive tree-planting project is already under way, and the project is expected to take place in phases over the next year.  Estimated cost is approximately $30 million. 

• Founders Renovation — The Founders Hall renovation will give a major facelift to one of the University’s oldest buildings.  It will allow for an open computer lab in the basement, and classrooms and offices on the ground floor.  It will also include a new atrium lobby extending out to the mall.  The renovation has started and is expected to be completed by spring 2010.  Estimated cost is $27.7 million.

• Center for BrainHealth Second Floor Renovation — The build-out of the second floor of the Center for BrainHealth will include space for students and short-term employees working on contracts and grants.  In addition, improvements to the grounds and other minor building redesigns will take place.  Estimated cost is $5 million, and construction is expected to be completed by summer 2009.   

• Math, Science and Engineering Teaching (MSET) Learning Center — MSET will provide spaces for math and science teaching of primarily undergraduate students.  The building will also include a lab for research about effective teaching and learning techniques in those fields, both at the college and K-12 levels.  The building will include a lecture hall, instructional labs and offices for faculty and tutors.  Construction is expected to begin this winter and be finished in 2010.  Estimated cost is $29.7 million.  A groundbreaking for the project will take place on Oct. 28. 

Tom Lund, senior project manager with UT System’s Office of Facilities Planning and Construction,  said the end result will outweigh the growing pains.

“When it’s finished, we hope it will be a major step forward for the University, both in terms of growth and in terms of the benefits for our students, faculty and staff,”  Lund said. 

Other projects slated to begin this fall include a new parking lot adjacent to the Administration/Multipurpose Building.  That lot will include about 40 spaces, primarily for visitors and with some purple-level parking spaces.  Another parking lot is planned near the School of Management.  It will include about 200 green and gold parking spots. 

Also under way this fall are minor lab renovations at the Waterview Science and Technology Center and roof replacements at both the Conference Center and Hoblitzelle Hall.  

Visitors should consult maps, available both online and to be posted at various locations across campus, to find the best ways to navigate around the construction.  For more information about construction on campus, call 972-883-2141.