Currently, there are two major projects located on campus that are under construction: the Student Success Center and the Upchurch University Center. In addition to those two projects, Willett Hall is also in the final stages of construction. Recently approved by the General Assembly, there are two new buildings set to start construction: the new Admissions building and a new academic building.
The new Student Success Center is located in between the Greenwood Library and the Lankford Student Union. Due to the fact that the site is located over the entrance of a parking garage, the foundation structure by the parking garage has made it more difficult to get the foundation set for the new building, according to Louise Waller, executive director of campus planning and construction.
“(Getting the foundation structure correct) is very critical to this project, and it’s a bit challenging with this location,” said Waller.
Waller further explained that given the tight space, weather has also impacted the progress made in breaking ground. The project is set to be completely finished the summer of 2017 and is “on schedule” according to Waller.
“We have a lot of faith in our contractor,” added Waller.
The new Upchurch University Center is located right across from Hiner Hall and has recently started to see the foundation work in progress. The project is set to be complete in late Spring of 2018. The university center will include a Starbucks, Panda Express and Au Bon Pain.
“It’s an exciting project for all of us,” reiterated Waller.
Willett Hall, which is set to be the stage for the upcoming Vice Presidential Debate on Oct. 4 is in the final stages of construction of the new façade, according to Waller. The building is undergoing minor tweaks in the fire alarm system and the roof before opening. The building is set to be complete mid-September.
Sharp and Register residence halls located in front of Arc Hall have been completed.
“We (Longwood) are still in the design phases of the new admissions building and the new academic building. The last general assembly session we were given the appropriation to finish up the design plan and move towards construction,” added Waller.
The new admissions building is set to be located across from Ruffner Hall in the same location it currently resides. The building's exterior will include the architecture that is currently displayed on the front of campus and is the “perfect place to bring potential students,” Waller explained.
The new admissions office building will include several adaptable conference and presentation rooms for interviews; space for group presentations and events; private offices for staff personnel to hold interviews, according to longwood.edu
“Both of those projects are very exciting for campus,” Waller exuded.
The other project that has recently been approved is a new academic building that is set to be located behind French Hall where the previous tennis courts were prior to their new location on the side of Willett Hall.
The building itself will be approximately 42,000 gross square feet, according to longwood.edu
“It’s a little early to anticipate when we are going to break ground on these projects,” said Waller.
Both projects have been approved and are finishing up with the drawing phase in order to take the next step in starting construction. Waller discloses that both projects will be breaking ground within the next one to two years.
