Editor’s note: In this series The Reflector will examine proposed changes to the Mississippi State University campus as part of the 20-year Master Plan.
In 2003, Mississippi State University established its Master Plan, an extensive developmental plan for the campus’s future. Under the plan, the campus will undergo a concentrated series of renovations and developments within the next 20 years.
Architects from Foil Wyatt Architects & Planners, P.A. ,formed the plan with proposed projects including new housing, the renovation of current buildings, new athletic facilities and entirely revamped infrastructure.
Though not all of the project’s plans are officially set, the campus is seeing and will see many changes this year.
“This year, we are going to see an expansion of McCool Hall, a renovation of the Lee Hall auditorium and The Union, an agricultural and biological engineering building being built, and parking lots and streets being upgraded,” said Ray Hayes, vice president for finance and administration.
Design documents are being worked on for this year’s projects, Hayes said.
Dean of Students Mike White, who chairs the campus planning committee, said that the renovation of the Lee Hall auditorium will be presented to the board in November, with construction beginning in January 2005.
“It is in very bad shape and it needs to be modernized,” White said. “It is the largest auditorium on campus.”
White also said that though the auditorium will be modernized, it will keep its traditional look. “The purpose of the renovation,” White said, “is to attract major events such as plays, speeches and other performing arts.”
The Union’s renovation is set to begin in 2005 as well.
“The plan is to add 65,000 square feet to the Union, adding two-thirds to the Union’s present space.” Director of Student Life Eddie Keith said.
The look of the Union will also change dramatically, he said. “The Union will look more like other buildings on the Drill Field.” Keith said.
As for food and entertainment, Keith said one more food vendor will have the ability to establish itself in The Union.
Parking, a concern for many students and faculty, is also set to undergo major changes.
Hayes said that there will be a more pedestrian-friendly method of parking and driving throughout campus. “There will be much less traffic,” Hayes said. “The central part of campus will be focused on being pedestrian-friendly, whereas the exterior of campus will be used for parking.”
Changes are expected to be seen as early as next fall. “The plan is to have all student parking on the south side of campus paved, lighted, safe and secure by the fall of 2005.” Hayes explained. “We probably won’t see the end result of the change for about four to five years.”
For a detailed synopsis of the plans, visit http://msuinfo.ur.msstate.edu/campusplan.