A new venue will be awaiting students upon their return from summer vacation.
The $2.4 million Student Activities Complex Plaza is scheduled for completion in late June or early July, in plenty of time for the beginning of the 2002 fall semester.
When finished, the complex will feature two flag courts and a dry fountain. The dry fountain, unlike a basin fountain, will have several spouts at ground level that will spew water at 26 to 40 feet into the air.
Currently construction is heavy on the site of the future complex, between the Michael D. Rose Theatre and the Administration Building.
The sidewalks around the perimeter of the elliptical plaza have already been laid, and the fountains are being installed.
“We will probably have a grand opening for the students towards the end of the summer along with some events,” Jim Hellums, assistant vice-president of the Physical Plant, said.
The $2.4 million needed to fund the plaza was paid for with students’ fees.
“It will be a place where students can sit and eat lunch, but also where special events such as craft fairs can be held,” Hellums said.
The construction process began last summer and was somewhat delayed due to large amounts of rain this winter.
“The Student Activities Complex Plaza will be unlike other plazas, which are really for decoration and walking across between classes, because the student plaza will be more frequently used by students. It is functional,” Hellums said.
Lori Smith, campus landscape supervisor, said the plaza would be a peaceful place for students to eat lunch and study between classes.
“It’s going to be a nice, attractive area for people to gather around,” Smith said. “It’s a nice way to connect that area of campus. It’s a showpiece for the university.”
The fountain at the center of the elliptical plaza will “put on a show” several times a day, by firing off spouts of water in different patterns.
“It’s going to be superb; something really special for The University of Memphis campus,” Hellums said.
