Memorial Union construction projects continue
August 20, 2006
While many students were enjoying the sun this summer, construction was going on around campus.
The Memorial Union construction is one of the most noticeable projects going on right now.
Construction is taking place in two areas at the union – the south and north sides of the building.
Ground level additions on the south end will eventually contain University Book Store administration offices and store rooms, and will also contain additional space for a new retail service. Some ideas for the space are a bank branch, welcome center, beauty salon, dry cleaning and video-rental service – among others – said Kathy Svec, marketing coordinator at the union.
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Other construction projects going on:
– Hixson-Lied Student Success Center – being constructed on Beach Avenue near Maple-Willow-Larch
– Coover Hall addition – utilities work being done across from the College of Design Building before actual construction starts
– Alumni Center – being built off of Beach Avenue near the Iowa State Center
– Dairy/Animal Science Education and Discovery Facility – being constructed south of town and will be replacing the current dairy farm in Ankeny
– Curtiss Hall – modifications are being made to the auditorium in room 127
– Morrill Hall – ongoing renovation project, set to finish spring 2007
There is a free and open process for bids on what the service will be, Svec said.
On the north side of the building a stair tower and elevator are planned to help improve handicapped access.
“Comfort will be greatly improved,” Svec said. “This construction will improve the convenience of getting into the building.”
When the construction is completed, life-safety issues such as fire safety will be greatly improved.
Along with the union, there are many other projects going on.
“At any one time we have four or five big projects and 40 or 45 minor projects going on,” said Dean McCormick, assistant director for design and construction services. “We always have a lot of minor projects going on, but it is the major things that people notice.”
There was also road construction on Lincoln Way near campus this summer. City of Ames representatives were unavailable for comment about the improvements.
For a list of the ongoing construction projects in campus and around Ames, see the sidebar above.
