Students anywhere near the University of Memphis campus lately have surely heard it. The beat goes on ... and on ... and on. While it may not be music to the ears, students may as well get used to it -- it's not going to stop anytime soon.
There are four construction projects in progress, four on the slate and one awaiting approval. The total construction will cost an estimated $97 million, not including the University Center.
The UC's fate has not yet been determined, according to Tony Poteet, assistant vice president of Campus Planning and Design. Poteet said a decision on whether to renovate or rebuild the UC will be made within the next six to eight months.
The Michael D. Rose Theatre Lecture Hall will open its doors February 1, 2001 for "Opening Exercises" for Black History Month. The theater will be used for student-oriented events such as speakers, dances, lectures, films and concerts, Poteet said. The lecture hall, which will seat 1,000 people, will be arranged in an auditorium fashion. According to Poteet, around $6.6 million has been spent on construction and furnishings for the Rose lecture hall, which is located just west of the Elma Roane Field House.
"The Michael D. Rose Theatre Lecture Hall is a great building," Poteet said. "I believe the students will enjoy the facility. I think it will be in use just about every night."
The Music Amphitheater, located between the Theatre and Communication Building and the Music Building, will be completed in early 2001. The amphitheater will provide a new look for the main north-south pedestrian walkway, and will cost around $265,000, Poteet said.
"The Music Amphitheater will be used periodically," said Dr. Glenn Chandler, director of the Rudy E. Scheidt School of Music. "Sometimes the instrumental groups and Sound Fuzion will have concerts there on a nice spring day."
The Student Plaza, expected to be complete in Winter 2001, will be located in the parking lot east of the Administration Building, stretching to Walker Ave. The plaza will have a fountain and seating areas, and is expected to cost around $2 million. Construction will begin in March, Poteet said.
"The Student Plaza will be used for student functions. (It) will be a great place for students to gather and take a break," said Jay Andersen, director of the UC.
A $15 million gift from Kemmons Wilson, founder of Holiday Inn, will be used to start The U of M's Hospitality and Resort Management Program to be completed in January 2002. It will be approximately 185,000 square feet, Poteet said. The academic facility will include a computer lab, service rooms, classrooms and a demonstration kitchen. The hotel will have 82 suites, a full service restaurant, meeting rooms and ballroom facilities.
"A degree from The University of Memphis Hospitality and Resort Management Program and the Fogelman College of Business and Economics," said Dr. Robert Taylor, interim director of The U of M Hospitality and Resort Management Program, "prepares graduates to excel in providing customer service in the part of the business world called the hospitality industry."
The University Bookstore will occupy a new facility, approximately 38,000 square feet, by Summer or Fall 2002, according to University officials. Although construction will be completed in Winter 2001 or Spring 2002, extra time is needed to move in. The building will link the walkway from the garage to the UC. It will include a post office, copy center, bank and convenience store on the second floor. The main floor will replace the current bookstore, located on the lower level of the UC. Poteet estimated construction costs to be around $4.7 million.
After the current bookstore moves, that space will house student organizations. There are also plans to have a computer lab in the area.
"The University Center Bookstore will provide students with a far more organized bookstore. The store will be laid out better," said Steve Word, general manager of the UC Bookstore. "There will be a covered walkway into the University Center and tied into the Parking Garage."
The FedEx Emerging Technology Complex, currently not in construction, will be completed in 2003. The facility which is now in the design and development stages, is estimated to cost around $25 million, Poteet said. The building will have computer labs, training rooms, hardware and software development labs, a cyber-cafe and an exhibit area. There are also plans for a state-of-the-art equipped 200-seat forum. The complex will be approximately 94,000 square feet.
"The FedEx Emerging Technology Complex demonstrates a thrust and partnership between the Memphis business community and The U of M," said Dr. O'Neal Smitherman, director of the complex. "The FedEx Complex will provide students with information technology and business skills to enter a job upon graduation at companies like FedEx."
The Wilder Tower renovation, which will take place just south of the Brister building, will take an estimated 18 months and will be completed in 2003, Poteet said. Wilder Tower -- formerly known as Brister Tower -- will be the new location for student registration, counseling, financial aid and other student support functions. The Wilder Tower will be approximately 200,000 square feet. Student registration offices in the tower will replace the offices in the Administration Building.
Once Wilder Tower renovations have been completed, UC construction will begin. If the facility is renovated, all finishes, building systems and furnishings will be improved, and construction is estimated to be completed in Fall 2004. If a decision is made to rebuild, then construction will take longer, Poteet said.
"Right now they are leaning towards renovating the building," said Andersen.
"But once the new president comes in, it will definitely have an impact."
