Summer construction projects underway across GU campus

Published: July 22, 2024

Author: Dave Bell

Though Greenville University’s new residence hall and new buildings at the athletic complex dominate the University’s construction list this summer, several other projects also are underway.

UNIVERSITY HALL

“It’s a busy time on the GU campus,” said Breck Nelson, GU’s Chief Economic Development and Innovation Officer. “Priority number one is to finish the 246-bed residence hall so it’s ready to occupy this fall. All the furniture for the rooms has arrived, and it’s being installed.”

He noted that outdoor landscaping work will be done this fall when weather conditions are better for plants.

The first floor of the residence hall is the site of considerable activity these days, as the new Jack Trager Athletics Performance and Training Center – a state-of-the-art fitness center is set in place. The weightlifting and fitness equipment has been delivered and is in the process of being installed. That facility will open when students arrive in the fall.

NEW BUILDINGS AT THE JOHN STRAHL ATHLETIC COMPLEX

The other major push will be readying the athletic complex's buildings for the fall seasons. Those buildings—the Robert “Ish” Smith Museum and the W. Richard Stephens Fieldhouse—honor two late GU presidents. Both buildings are complete on the exterior, but some interior work remains. A new 600-seat bleacher unit has been installed at the football field and track, and work is progressing on a four-story press box, restrooms, and concession stand.

Another major project at the athletic complex is installing an all-weather surface on the GU baseball field. Ritchie and Lisa Ware are generous donors who funded this project.

Baseball field surface installation

“The spectator experience at the athletic complex will be like we’ve never had before,” Nelson said. “There will be multiple options for viewing games, and the event space in the Smith Museum will be very nice for social gatherings. Likewise, the athletes, coaches, and officials will appreciate the new locker rooms in the Stephens Fieldhouse.”

SNYDER HALL NURSING CLASSROOMS

Nelson said several rooms on the lower floor of Snyder Hall will be renovated to house GU’s nursing program thanks to a $660,000 grant. The project is currently in the design phase.

The University recently announced a partnership with Goldfarb School of Nursing in St. Louis for their BSN in nursing. Goldfarb is affiliated with Barnes-Jewish Hospital. “This new partnership will expose our students to one of the best programs in the country,” Nelson added.

BURRITT RESIDENCE HALL

Once students have been housed in the newly constructed residence hall, the original portion of the century-old Burritt Hall Residence Hall will significantly upgrade the plumbing, heating, and air-conditioning systems. The improvements are made possible by a $4.9 million state grant. “Burritt is one of the oldest buildings on campus, and these improvements should enhance the student experience significantly,” Nelson said. “The work will take about a year to complete.”

GENERAL CAMPUS PROJECTS

Beyond these major projects, several smaller ones are on the docket for the summer months, according to Luke Zbinden from the University’s facilities department. “We’re excited to do some upgrades that will improve the student’s experience on campus,” Zbinden said. “It’s important to upgrade our equipment as we can and maintain our buildings so everything functions well and our people are safe.”

This summer’s projects include:

PARKING LOT SEALING: Several parking lots on campus will be sealed this summer, including the large lot west of Snyder Hall and small lots near the Ruby Dare Library and the student union. Additionally, the patio outside the library will be resurfaced.

HOGUE TOWER REPAIRS : Tuck-point work is being done on Hogue Tower during July.

FLOORING IMPROVEMENTS : Carpets will be replaced by vinyl plank flooring in several campus buildings, including the Whitlock Recital Hall and hallways on the main floor of Whitlock, Hood Hall hallways, Blankenship Apartment kitchens, and the KRP building. The basketball floor in H.J. Long Gymnasium will also receive a clearcoat sealer.

LIBRARY RESTROOM RENOVATIONS: The library's main floor restrooms received a significant upgrade in early June, including an epoxy floor and a new coat of paint on the walls. New sinks will be installed later in the summer.

WHITLOCK UPGRADES : The controls of the heating and air-conditioning systems in the Whitlock Music Center are being upgraded to a web-based system for better monitoring, and the main floor recital hall carpeting will be replaced. Additionally, thanks to a generous donation from Mark and Karen Whitlock, the bells, in the form of a digitally programmed carillon, will be heard across campus.