Spring Break
Constructive changes transform campus
Alexia Lang
Issue date: 8/31/09 Section: News
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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.
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